PTSD Assessment
Expert clinical evaluation of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to determine causation and the extent of psychological injury. Urgent reports are available for complex civil litigation and personal injury claims.
Expert Type
- Forensic Psychologist
- Practitioner Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Neuropsychologist
Applicable Law
- Civil Procedure Rules (Part 35)
- Personal Injury Pre-Action Protocol
- Equality Act 2010
- Mental Health Act 1983
When Needed
Assessments are required when a claimant has experienced a traumatic event and exhibits symptoms impacting their functional capacity or quality of life.
What Is a PTSD Assessment?
A PTSD Assessment is a comprehensive psychological evaluation designed to identify whether a claimant meets the diagnostic criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder following a specific incident. This process involves a detailed clinical interview and a review of medical records to differentiate between pre-existing conditions and symptoms directly resulting from the index event.
The assessment is conducted within a civil litigation framework, ensuring that the diagnosis aligns with ICD-11 or DSM-5 standards. It serves as a vital piece of evidence in assisting the court on diagnosis, causation, and quantum.
- Exposure to trauma — direct or indirect experience of a life-threatening or distressing event
- Intrusive symptoms — presence of flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing memories
- Avoidance behaviours — efforts to avoid external reminders or internal distressing thoughts
- Negative alterations — changes in cognition and mood associated with the trauma
- Hyperarousal — increased irritability, sleep disturbance, or exaggerated startle response
- Functional impairment — the extent to which symptoms interfere with social or occupational life
Our experts provide an independent opinion that complies with court requirements, offering clarity on prognosis and future treatment needs. This ensures the court receives a robust analysis of the claimant’s mental state.
The resulting report provides essential expert evidence to assist in the resolution of civil litigation matters. It bridges the gap between clinical presentation and legal benchmarks for compensable injury.
Key Assessment Components
Our assessment evaluates the following areas:
Medical Record Review
A thorough analysis of pre-morbid history and post-incident medical interventions to establish a clear timeline.
Clinical Interview
Direct assessment of the claimant using semi-structured interviews to evaluate current symptomatology.
Diagnostic Formulation
Application of ICD-11 or DSM-5 criteria to confirm or rule out a PTSD diagnosis.
Causation Analysis
Determining the nexus between the traumatic event and the claimant’s psychological presentation.
Functional Impact Assessment
Evaluating how symptoms affect activities of daily living and the ability to work.
Treatment Recommendations
Outlining necessary therapeutic interventions such as EMDR or CBT and their associated costs.
Conditions That May Affect This Assessment
A range of psychological conditions can affect this assessment. These include:
Diagnosis may be complicated by comorbidities or the presence of pre-existing vulnerabilities.
Assessment Process
-
Instruction Received
Letter of instruction and medical records are reviewed by our triage team.
-
Expert Matched
We select a psychologist with specific expertise in the relevant trauma type.
-
Assessment Conducted
A face-to-face or remote clinical examination is carried out with the claimant.
-
Report Delivered
A CPR-compliant report is produced, detailing diagnosis, causation, and prognosis.
Turnaround Times
| Urgency Level | Timescale |
|---|---|
| Standard Report | 4-6 weeks from assessment |
| Priority Report | 1-2 weeks |
| Urgent Report | 1-4 days |
What’s Included in the Report
All reports are fully CPR Part 35 compliant and our experts are available for joint statements and court testimony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need a PTSD Assessment Report?
Contact our team today for a PTSD assessment and receive expert CVs and transparent fixed-fee quotes within 60 minutes.
Related Civil & Personal Injury Assessment Services
Evaluation of broader psychological harm following an accident or incident.
Expert reports on psychological outcomes resulting from medical errors.
Specialised evaluations for victims of historical abuse or complex trauma.
Evaluation of psychological injury arising from workplace environments and stress.
Exploring the psychological impact and psychological sequelae of long-term physical pain.
Determining if a claimant has the mental capacity to manage their own legal affairs.