New guidelines for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder have been accredited by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHRMC) and are paving the way to more evidence-based treatment of mental health problems.
Professor Grant Devilly from the Brain Sciences Institute was one of five academic experts involved in developing the guidelines in cooperation with the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
He said it was significant as it was the first set of Australian treatment guidelines for a mental health disorder to receive NHRMC accreditation.
?This decision will help health practitioners make the most appropriate decisions concerning screening, assessment and treatment of post-traumatic and acute stress disorder,? Professor Devilly said.
The Minister for Veterans? Affairs Bruce Billson also welcomed the guidelines.
“The experiences of veterans and their families, particularly Vietnam veterans, have had a profound contribution on the medical profession?s understanding of posttraumatic stress disorder.
“More than 250,000 Australians will experience posttraumatic stress disorder every year, whether from car and workplace accidents, physical assault or natural disasters. The new guidelines will help pave the way for more positive future for these Australians.?