Post-traumatic stress

Types of post-traumatic stress

Reactions to trauma are grouped by how soon they start, how long they last, and whether the trauma happened once or over a long time.

• Acute stress disorder

  Strong reactions in the first month after a traumatic event: reliving it, avoiding reminders, and feeling on edge, numb or detached. Many people improve within this time; some go on to develop PTSD.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  Reactions that last more than a month: intrusive memories or nightmares, avoiding reminders, feeling constantly on guard, and changes in mood or in how you see yourself and the world. It can follow a single event, such as an accident or assault, and it can start months or years later.

• Complex PTSD

  Recognised in ICD-11, though not in DSM-5-TR. The core PTSD reactions, plus long-lasting difficulty managing emotions, a deep sense of shame or worthlessness, and trouble feeling close to others. It usually follows repeated or long-lasting trauma that was hard to escape, such as ongoing violence or neglect.

• PTSD in young children

  In children aged 6 and under, trauma often shows through play that repeats the event, nightmares, clinginess, tantrums, or losing skills they had, such as toileting or speech. There are separate criteria for this age group, and parents are central to the assessment.

Signs to look for

• Intrusive memories, nightmares or flashbacks
• Avoiding reminders of what happened
• Feeling constantly on guard or easily startled
• Feeling numb or detached
• Trouble sleeping or concentrating
• In children: replaying the event in play, or going backwards in development

Assessment

You won't be asked to go through every detail at the first visit. We focus on how you're coping now, your sleep and mood, and what support you have. For children, we meet with parents first.

Treatment

Dr Stanganelli assesses, diagnoses, prescribes where it helps, and coordinates your care with your GP, psychologist and school.

1. i.Trauma-focused psychological therapy, with your psychologist or one Dr Stanganelli can refer you to
2. ii.Medication for sleep, mood or anxiety where needed
3. iii.Support for parents and families
4. iv.Medico-legal reports when trauma relates to an incident or claim

Getting started

Ask your GP or paediatrician for a referral to Dr Stanganelli, then email it to appointments@stanganelli.com.au. Or post it to PO Box 5571, Mackay QLD 4740. All referrals are reviewed and assessed by Dr Stanganelli to determine suitability for the practice. Submission of a referral does not guarantee acceptance or an appointment. If your referral is accepted, we'll contact you with a time in Mackay, Brisbane or by telehealth, usually in under 4 weeks. If we can't accept a referral, we'll let the referring doctor or the patient know.

Request an appointment How referrals work