Recognition
Be aware that people with PTSD, including complex PTSD, may present with a range of symptoms associated with functional impairment, including:
Be aware of traumatic events associated with the development of PTSD. These could be experiencing or witnessing single, repeated or multiple events and could include, for example:
When assessing for PTSD, ask people specific questions about re-experiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal, dissociation, negative alterations in mood and thinking, and associated functional impairment.
When assessing for PTSD, ask people with symptoms of PTSD if they have experienced 1 or more traumatic events (which may have occurred many months or years before). Give specific examples of traumatic events as listed above.
For people with unexplained physical symptoms who repeatedly attend health services, think about asking whether they have experienced 1 or more traumatic events and provide specific examples of traumatic events (see above).
Reference:
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