Prognosis and duration of disabling effects

Long term outcome depends upon initial symptom severity, duration of illness, social support and past history.

In general people with PTSD who have no previous history and normal stable backgrounds tend to have a good prognosis.

People who fail to recover tend to have coexisting or previous psychiatric history or a complicating factor such as depression or substance abuse.

The prognosis for people with severe initial symptoms is worse than for people with less severe initial symptoms.

The prognosis is worse the longer the duration of the illness.

About half of people with PTSD will recover within 12 months.

About two thirds of people with PTSD will recover within 6 years.

One third of people with PTSD have a chronic illness lasting more than 6 years.

Therefore the following awards should be considered -:

A first award period of 1 year.

A second award period of 5 years.

Thereafter an indefinite award may be appropriate. However, in some cases there is potential for improvement in the condition in the longer term.

All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.

Amended June 2008