What are the referral criteria for specialist mental health services for patients with PTSD?

Referral criteria for specialist mental health services for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include:

• Referral is required for any further management after confirmation of PTSD diagnosis in primary care, including psychological therapy or drug treatment arranged by specialists ¹.
• For people with clinically important PTSD symptoms that have persisted for more than one month after a traumatic event, offer referral to specialist mental health services for psychological therapy or drug treatment ¹.
• For adults with clinically important PTSD symptoms where the traumatic event occurred within the last month, arrange specialist referral for psychological therapy or drug treatment ¹.
• For children and young adults (aged 18 years and under) with clinically important symptoms, use clinical judgement to determine whether active monitoring or specialist referral is required; seek specialist advice if in doubt ¹.
• Urgent (same day) referral to crisis resolution and home treatment teams is indicated if the person is considered at high risk of suicide, harm to self, or harm to others ¹.
• Referral should also be considered if the person exhibits severe distress and/or functional impairment, co-morbid depression or other mental health disorders, or other concerns requiring specialist assessment ¹.
• Armed forces veterans with service-related PTSD can be referred more rapidly under the veterans' priority scheme ¹.
• Referral pathways should follow local policy and include assessment of safeguarding concerns for children or vulnerable adults ¹.

Additional considerations: If referral is delayed or declined, consider treatment with antidepressants such as venlafaxine or SSRIs in adults, after discussing potential adverse effects ¹.