Industry News: Documentary Investigates PTSD Claims
A Panorama documentary has delved into the recent increase in compensation claims for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the UK.
The documentary centred on the fact that the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD has become more frequent over recent years, as has the number of people claiming compensation for the disorder.
Approximately 236,000 people are now being treated for the anxiety disorder on the NHS every year, according to a report by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, following ‘improvements in recognition and diagnosis’ for PTSD.
John Campbell, legal director at the National Accident Helpline, said claiming compensation for PTSD is important for many sufferers, who, along with their pain and suffering, may have lost significant earnings due to the disorder.
‘Although there are no obvious physical injuries,’ he said, ‘sufferers of post traumatic stress disorder often need counselling and specialist care, time to rest and recuperate, and some may find it impossible to return to their careers.
‘it is important for sufferers to have access to compensation in order to assist them with their financial and other difficulties’.
Post traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that can develop in some people following exposure to a traumatic event, or series of events.
The documentary criticised claimants for making PTSD claims for relatively minor incidents. Campbell added, however, that it is now widely recognised that PTSD relating to previous trauma can be triggered by a seemingly minor event.
