Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition suffered by 1-2% Australians each year, and as much as 12% in their lifetime (SANE Organisation). Its level and intensity varies from person to person, and triggers for the condition can be different between people as well.

As a result, PTSD is a complicated condition to treat, often requiring extensive therapy, medication, and trial-by-error treatment strategies. However, as the support for mental health and vulnerable peoples grows, there are also an increasingly large number of resources and care methods available to help people who are struggling with PTSD.

From traditional western medication, to counselling, to alternative and complementary medicines (such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and medicinal cannabis), PTSD may be overcome with many different forms of treatment.

Keep reading to learn more about the mental health condition and potential treatment methods for it.

What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can occur after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. It involves reliving the trauma over and over again, feeling constantly on edge, and avoiding anything that may trigger memories of the event.

PTSD can have a significant impact on someone’s quality of life and daily functioning. However, this impact differs from person to person, meaning that some people may experience more severe symptoms than others.

There are many different types of PTSD, including:

• Acute: This type of PTSD develops within three months of the traumatic event. It is often characterized by severe symptoms that make it difficult to return to one’s normal life
• Chronic: This type of PTSD develops after six months have passed since the traumatic event occurred. It is often characterised by long-lasting and debilitating symptoms that make it difficult to live a normal life
• Delayed onset: This type of PTSD develops more than six months after the traumatic event has occurred. It is often characterised by flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors

What are the Common Causes of PTSD?

PTSD is a serious condition that can have a serious effect on a person’s mental and physical health. It can occur in anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race. However, certain factors may increase a person’s risk of developing or causing this condition.

Some of these factors include:

• Experiencing a long-lasting or multiple traumas
• Having a history of mental health conditions
• Lacking a support system

Common examples of trauma are:

• Combat
• Sexual assault or rape
• Childhood abuse
• Natural disasters
• Witnessing a death or serious injury

PTSD can also develop in children and teens who have experienced trauma. This is especially true if the child witnessed something traumatic happening to a close friend or family member. PTSD can also develop in adults who experience trauma later in life.

PTSD can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event that causes them to feel fearful, helpless, or alone. PTSD is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. The majority of people who experience a traumatic event do not develop PTSD.

However, some people may be more likely to develop PTSD if they have experienced previous trauma, if the trauma was particularly severe or long-lasting, or if they lack social support after the event.

What are the Symptoms of PTSD?

There are four main categories of symptoms associated with PTSD: intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative changes in mood and thinking, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.

Below is a breakdown of the symptoms of PTSD:

• Intrusive thoughts: These are unwanted, often distressing memories of the trauma that can invade someone’s mind at any time. They may also involve reliving the trauma through nightmares or flashbacks
• Avoidance: This involves trying to avoid anything that may trigger memories of the trauma. This may include avoiding people, places, activities, or conversations that remind them of the event
• Negative changes in mood and thinking: Someone with PTSD may have difficulty experiencing positive emotions. They may also feel hopelessness, memory problems, and a sense of isolation
• Changes in physical and emotional reactions: This can include being easily startled, feeling on edge, or having trouble sleeping. Physical symptoms may also occur, such as headaches or nausea

It’s important to understand the potential symptoms of PTSD so that you can be on the lookout for them in yourself or a loved one. If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s important to reach out for help. There are many treatment options available that can help people manage their PTSD and live happy, healthy lives.

What are Treatments for PTSD?

There are a number of different treatment options available for people living with PTSD. Some people may benefit from medication, while others may prefer to participate in therapy, another type of counselling, or try alternative and complementary medicines.

Many people find that a combination of treatments is most effective. The most common treatments for PTSD include:

• Medication: There are a number of different medications that can be used to treat PTSD. These include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and antipsychotic medications.
• Therapy: Therapy can be an extremely effective treatment for PTSD. There are a variety of different types of therapy that can be helpful, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
• Support groups: Joining a support group can be a great way to connect with other people who are dealing with similar issues. This can be helpful in terms of both support and education
• Counselling: Counselling can be extremely helpful for people with PTSD. A counsellor can provide support, guidance, and education
• Alternate and complementary medicines: Some people find that alternate and complementary medicines, such as acupuncture and yoga, can be helpful in managing the symptoms of PTSD

When it comes to the treatment of PTSD, most patients may need to trial-and-error a number of treatment options before finding one that is most effective for them. This is because PTSD is a personal mental health condition that differs from individual to individual. Some people may find that counselling is helpful, while others may prefer to try alternate and complementary medicines.

Medicinal Cannabis and PTSD

Medicinal cannabis is an emerging treatment method for mental health disorders such as PTSD, depression and anxiety.

The main active ingredient in a cannabis plant is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is known to produce psychoactive effects. CBD (cannabidiol) is another active ingredient in cannabis that does not produce psychoactive effects, but is known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anxiolytic properties.

THC is mainly used for its psychoactive effects, while CBD is used for its therapeutic benefits. Cannabis with a higher THC to CBD ratio is typically used for recreational purposes, while cannabis with a higher CBD to THC ratio is typically used for medicinal purposes.

The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is a controversial topic, as there is currently no high-quality evidence to support its efficacy in treating mental health disorders. However, the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is legal in Australia, and an increasing number of people are using it to treat various mental health disorders.

In recent years, medicinal cannabis has emerged as a potential treatment method for PTSD. A small number of studies have found that medicinal cannabis may be effective in reducing and managing the symptoms of PTSD. However, studies are limited and ongoing study is required to solidify the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis in treating PTSD.

In Australia, approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is required before a medical professional can prescribe medicinal cannabis products and access medicinal cannabis products.

FAQs - Medicinal Cannabinoids for PTSD

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning legal medicinal cannabis products and how they may care for PTSD.

What is medicinal cannabis used for in Australia?

Medicinal cannabis products are commonly used to treat various conditions and symptoms, including:

• Chronic pain
• Nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy
• Muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis
• Seizures associated with epilepsy
• Symptom relief in palliative care.

PTSD is not currently an approved condition for medicinal cannabis treatment in Australia. However, medical professionals may prescribe medicinal cannabis products for PTSD on a case-by-case basis if they believe it is clinically appropriate.

Who can prescribe medicinal cannabis in Australia?

In Australia, only medical professionals can prescribe medicinal cannabis products. This includes:

• Doctors
• Specialist doctors
• Hospital doctors
• General practitioners

When considering whether to prescribe an appropriate medicinal cannabis product, medical professionals must follow the same process they would for any other medication. This means taking into account the patient’s individual clinical circumstances, and making sure the product is appropriate for that person.

If a medical professional believes that a medicinal cannabis product may be beneficial for a patient, they will need to apply for approval from the relevant state or territory health authority.

Further information about prescribing most medicinal cannabis products in Australia is available from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

What are PTSD attacks like?

PTSD attacks can vary in intensity and duration. Some people may experience a few symptoms while others may have a more intense reaction. The severity of the reaction will also depend on how close the person was to the traumatic event.

Most people with PTSD will experience:

• A feeling of being detached or disconnected from other people
• A feeling of numbness
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Anger, irritability or aggression
• Overwhelming guilt or shame
• Anxiety and fearfulness.

Some people with PTSD will also have flashbacks, where they relive the trauma over and over again. These can be so realistic that the person actually believes they are going through the event.

How do you know if you have PTSD?

The only way to know for sure is to see a mental health practitioner, who will ask you questions about your symptoms, how long you have been experiencing them, and give you a professional diagnosis.