Following continuous reports about Amanda Abbington’s diagnosis of PTSD after her time on Strictly Come Dancing, this blog explores the condition of PTSD, how it can be caused, possible treatments, and making a claim for PTSD.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event that affects an individual’s health and daily life. Symptoms of PTSD may develop in the months or years following the incident and include flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, and severe anxiety.
What type of experiences can cause PTSD?
PTSD is generally a consequence of fearing for your own or a loved one’s life or safety. The most common experiences causing PTSD include violence, natural disasters, assault, road traffic accidents, and witnessing the death of someone. However, such experiences do not cause PTSD in everyone. It is currently estimated that 1 in 10 people will suffer from PTSD at some point during their life. The risk of developing PTSD is increased by factors such as the incident involving children, being unexpected, or lasting a long time.
What are the possible treatments for PTSD?
If you suspect that you are suffering from PTSD, speak to a medical professional regarding diagnosis and treatment. Treatment depends on the needs and experience of the individual and may include medication, trauma-focused CBT, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). In addition, the following self-help strategies may assist in managing symptoms of PTSD: meditation, exercise, access to a support group, and a strong network of friends and family.
Can individuals make a claim for PTSD?
Claims may be brought by individuals suffering from PTSD caused by an incident that occurred due to another party’s negligence. Through the claims process, individuals will be able to claim for their pain, suffering, and financial losses incurred as a consequence of PTSD.
If you require any assistance with a PTSD claim, please don't hesitate to contact a member of our Personal Injury team.