Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Assessment & Diagnosis Services

An Overview of PTSD

PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder which can develop following involvement in or witnessing traumatic events. A diagnosis of PTSD can range from mild to severe - this is based on the presenting symptoms rather than the event itself.

Our bodies release cortisol and adrenaline when feeling stressed or under threat. Studies show that someone with PTSD will continue to release these hormones even when they are no longer in danger. Symptoms do not always emerge immediately after the trauma and may not manifest until months or sometimes years after the event.

Common symptoms include:

• Reliving aspects of the trauma for example: vivid flashbacks, nightmares, physical sensations (pain, sweating, nausea)
• Alertness or feeling on edge, being jumpy, irritable, disturbed sleep and difficulty concentrating
  
• Avoiding feelings or memories such as: feeling 'numb', forgetting details of the event, substance abuse
• Difficult beliefs or feelings including: lack of trust, self-blame, overwhelming feelings of anger, sadness, guilt

Benefit of Getting an Assessment

Obtaining a diagnosis, for any condition, is often the step towards an improved life. A diagnosis will enable the person diagnosed to access information relevant to them, to obtain specific and tailored treatments and where relevant – medication.

With the right support and / or outlook a diagnosis can be extremely comforting, especially if a condition has been present for some time.

Whether you share your diagnosis with others or keep it private it can benefit interpersonal relationships including family, friends and work - making life easier.

If your assessment provides a negative diagnosis, that is that you don’t meet the criteria for this specific diagnosis, that can be equally as rewarding. Plus, our trained clinicians will advise if they recognise any potential, further, avenues for consideration.

How to Get an Assessment With Us at MHWS?

Privately

Private healthcare refers to health services which you purchase yourself directly with the provider (MHWS) or via medical insurance.

Although here at MHWS we do provide some services to the NHS for certain conditions we also provide our full range of services privately too.

What are the benefits of Private Healthcare?

1. In many instances choosing to go private means shorter waiting times and therefore quicker diagnosis and treatment.
2. For some conditions a private practice may have access to a wider range of treatments, therapies and medications than the NHS

To find out more about seeing MHWS as a private patient please contact us.

The Assessment

A detailed psychiatric assessment is conducted by a psychiatrist or a psychotherapist and will look at the impact of traumas, utilising validated scales and tools to assess the severity of trauma and to identify the areas where treatment should be focused.

Treatments for PTSD

The main treatment suggested for PTSD is trauma focussed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprogramming (EMDR). This treatment works by targeting the traumatic event and reprocessing it as a less stressful memory in the brain. However, there are also other treatment options available if this does not suit the individual.

Fees and Summary of Payment Terms for an PTSD Assessment

We offer Initial Assessments privately at a cost of £350, which includes a 60-75 minute clinical assessment and report.

We require payment of the full cost of the assessment either prior to or at the time of booking the appointment.

Cancelling or Rebooking an Appointment

Cancellations and/or rebookings must be made at least 7 days prior to the appointment time and date. Otherwise, the appointment charge will apply. Within 7 days of the appointment, refunds or rebooking without charge will only be granted in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of a Director.

Next Steps

For more information or to find out how to book an appointment then please contact us.