Post-traumatic stress disorder — RACGP Fellowship MCQ

Correct answer: D — Assess safety, apply trauma‑informed care and refer for culturally appropriate psychological support

Option D is correct. It reflects the Australian Centre for Post‑traumatic Mental Health’s recommendation that trauma‑focused psychological therapies are the first line in PTSD and that medications—including benzodiazepines—should not be routinely used and only considered cautiously and short term if needed ([australianprescriber.tg.org.au](https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/update-on-the-management-of-post-traumatic-stress-disorder.html?utm_source=openai)). RACGP guidance emphasises coordinated, culturally responsive, trauma‑informed care for refugees, including use of qualified interpreters and referral to specialised trauma services ([racgp.org.au](https://www.racgp.org.au/getmedia/8b2a8600-9915-4a57-b612-a625e9163f1a/RACGP-Position-Statement-Healthcare-for-people-from-refugee-backgrounds-and-people-seeking-asy.pdf.aspx?utm_source=openai)). Option E is incorrect because seeking detailed trauma disclosure without establishing safety and trust violates trauma‑informed care principles. Option B is contraindicated: long-term benzodiazepines carry risk and lack evidence in PTSD. Option A is incorrect: interpreters are integral for safe, confidential care. Option C fails to address the trauma underpinning symptoms and ignores comorbidity, contrary to guidelines advocating concurrent treatment.

Reference: Australian Centre for Post‑traumatic Mental Health guidelines; Australian Prescriber “Update on the management of post‑traumatic stress disorder” (2015); RACGP position statement on refugee healthcare (2023), https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/update-on-the-management-of-post-traumatic-stress-disorder.html