Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What Causes PTSD?

There is no one cause for PTSD, however, it is typically due to exposure to traumatic events ‘outside the range of normal human experience’. Not every individual who is exposed to a traumatic event will develop PTSD.

There are an unknown number of events which may lead to the development of PTSD. These include, but are not limited to:

• Being involved in a car crash
• Experiencing violence such as military combat, acts of terror, domestic abuse or other physical assault
• Experiencing abuse, whether sexual, bullying, harassment (including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia or other identity-based abuse)
• Being raped or sexually assaulted
• Death of a loved one
• Witnessing something traumatic
• Work-based trauma such as that experienced by those in the emergency services and military
• Diagnosis of a life-threatening/altering condition

People with other mental health conditions or with limited social support groups may be at an increased likelihood of developing PTSD compared to others.

What are the Symptoms of PTSD?

The most typical symptom of PTSD is re-living or re-experiencing the traumatic event in the form of flashbacks and/or nightmares. Other symptoms of PTSD include but are not necessarily limited to:

• Repetitive visions or sensations: recollections of the event which may include physical sensations such as pain, sweating, nausea or shaking.
• Difficulty Sleeping: a person with PTSD may experience night terrors and/or insomnia.
• Avoidance: The sufferer may avoid certain locations or people that act as reminders of the event and may not speak of the event to push it to the back of their mind. Avoiding reminders of the event is sometimes used as a coping mechanism though it is not considered a healthy way to manage PTSD.
• Feeling ‘on edge’: A person living with PTSD may feel very anxious and ‘jumpy’. They are constantly aware of potential threat, even where there is none, and are easily startled. The clinical term for this is ‘hyperarousal’ and it can lead to irritability, anger and angry outbursts, poor sleep, and difficulty concentrating.

How is PTSD Diagnosed?

PTSD is diagnosed by a trained healthcare professional, usually following a detailed assessment of a person’s symptoms and experiences. This often includes discussing a traumatic event, how symptoms are affecting daily life, and how long they have been present.

After a traumatic event, it is normal to feel distressed, upset, or confused, and many people experience short-term stress reactions. However, if symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety, or sleep disturbance persist for four weeks or more, this may indicate PTSD, and it is important to seek professional support.

In the UK, an initial assessment is often carried out by a GP. Some GPs may feel comfortable to make a diagnosis, but in many cases, a referral to a mental health specialist with experience in PTSD is needed. This may involve referral to an NHS community mental health team, or assessment through private healthcare.

Treatment Options for PTSD

The main treatments for PTSD typically include talking therapies and prescribed medication. Trauma-focused psychological therapies are often recommended, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR).

Medications may also be prescribed, most commonly antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to help manage symptoms.

For some people, these treatments may not provide sufficient relief or may not be suitable. In these cases, medical cannabis may be considered as part of an individual treatment plan, under the care of a specialist clinician.

Can Medical Cannabis Help with PTSD?

PTSD can involve persistent, debilitating symptoms such as heightened anxiety, disturbed sleep, nightmares, and increased sensitivity to stress. For some people, these symptoms may continue despite first-line treatments such as talking therapies and standard medications.

In certain cases, specialist clinicians may consider medical cannabis as an additional treatment option, particularly where symptoms like sleep disturbance or anxiety remain difficult to manage. This decision is always made on an individual basis, considering a person’s symptoms, previous and ongoing treatments, and overall health.

While research into medical cannabis and PTSD specifically is still developing, ongoing studies are exploring its potential role in symptom management. As with any treatment, responses can vary, and medical cannabis is not suitable for everyone.

Can I be Prescribed Medical Cannabis for PTSD?

Medical cannabis may be considered for some people with PTSD when first-line treatments, such as talking therapies or standard medications, have not provided sufficient benefit or have caused difficult side effects.