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Schizophrenia
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Schizoaffective disorder
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This section has information on borderline personality disorder (BPD), including s… »Read more on Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
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How is PTSD diagnosed?
After four weeks of experiencing trauma, it is best to see your GP if:
- you are still having problems about the experience, and
- the symptoms are troubling you.
The earlier you get help, the better.
Visit our symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) page to find out more.
How can my GP help me?
Your GP should talk to you about treatment options and coping strategies.
You can choose whether to have treatment and decide about the options your GP offers you.
If you are unsure of anything, like the benefits of treatment, then ask your GP.
Visit our treatment for PTSD page to find out more.
Your GP might refer you to an NHS mental health specialist for further assessment and treatment. They might do this if they think you need specialist help for your symptoms.
You can find more information about GPs and your mental health here.
What will happen at a specialist assessment?
During the assessment a mental health professional will talk to you about your mental health. They will ask you questions.
The conversation might cover:
- your symptoms and experiences,
- your feelings, thoughts, and actions,
- your physical health and wellbeing,
- social and family relationships,
- use of drugs or alcohol, and
- past experiences, including similar problems.
The assessment is not a test or an exam. It is about finding the right diagnosis and help for you.
The more open and honest you are the easier it will be for the mental health professional. It will help them to reach the right diagnosis and offer you the right treatment and support.
The professional will consider your symptoms.
Once the professional has assessed you, they might think you are experiencing PTSD. If they do, they will use a manual to help diagnose you.
The two main manuals usually used by medical professionals in England are the:
- International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which is produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), which is produced by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
The manuals explain which symptoms should be present, and for how long, for you to receive a diagnosis.
You can access the following ICD-11 guidelines for free online below:
You cannot access DSM-5 online for free.
DSM-5 does have guidelines on PTSD but not on complex PTSD.