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PTSD in Australian Veterans: Understanding Symptoms & Support

February 5, 2025 | By March Ahead Team
PTSD in Australian Veterans: Understanding Symptoms & Support

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common mental health conditions affecting Australian veterans. Whether from combat deployments, peacekeeping missions, training incidents, or witnessing the suffering of others, military service can expose personnel to experiences that have lasting psychological impacts.

This article provides an overview of PTSD in Australian veterans — what it is, how common it is, what symptoms to look for, and what evidence-based treatments are available.

Key Statistic: Research indicates that 17.7% of ex-serving ADF members have experienced PTSD in the past 12 months, compared to 5.7% in the general Australian population. (Source: Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme, DVA 2018)

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. In the military context, trauma may include:

It’s important to understand that not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Many people recover naturally with time and support. However, when distressing symptoms persist and begin to significantly affect daily life, work, and relationships, it may indicate PTSD.

PTSD Prevalence in Australian Veterans

The Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme, commissioned by the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs and Defence, provides the most comprehensive data on veteran mental health in Australia.

Key findings include:

These figures highlight that veterans are at significantly elevated risk compared to the broader population, and that the transition from military to civilian life appears to be a particularly vulnerable period.

Recognising PTSD Symptoms

PTSD symptoms generally fall into four clusters. Symptoms must persist for more than one month and cause significant distress or impairment to meet diagnostic criteria.

1. Intrusion Symptoms

2. Avoidance

3. Negative Changes in Thoughts and Mood

4. Hyperarousal

PTSD Often Occurs with Other Conditions

Research shows that up to 90% of veterans with PTSD also have another mental health condition. Common co-occurring conditions include:

Military-related trauma is also commonly associated with problematic anger, sleep disturbance, and relationship difficulties. A comprehensive psychiatric assessment can identify all relevant conditions, ensuring appropriate treatment planning.

Evidence-Based PTSD Treatments

The good news is that PTSD is treatable. Evidence-based psychological treatments have been shown to significantly reduce symptoms and help veterans recover.

The 2023 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines and Australian Guidelines for PTSD recommend the following as first-line treatments:

Prolonged Exposure (PE)

PE involves gradually confronting trauma-related memories and situations in a safe, controlled way. Research shows high effectiveness for reducing PTSD symptoms, with many veterans no longer meeting diagnostic criteria after treatment.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

CPT focuses on changing unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. It helps veterans challenge and modify thoughts that may be maintaining their symptoms, such as excessive self-blame or beliefs that the world is entirely dangerous.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR involves recalling traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements). It has strong research support for reducing PTSD symptoms.

Medication

When psychological treatment is not available or has not been fully effective, certain medications may be considered. SSRIs and SNRIs are the most commonly used medications for PTSD. Medication can also be used alongside psychological treatment.

Getting a PTSD Diagnosis for DVA Claims

If you’re seeking DVA compensation for PTSD, you will need a psychiatric assessment. DVA requires a formal diagnosis using DSM-5 criteria, which is provided through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.

A DVA psychiatric assessment typically includes:

No GP referral is required for DVA-requested independent psychiatric assessments. The assessment report is submitted directly to DVA to support your claim.

Support Services for Veterans with PTSD

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PTSD develop years after the traumatic event?

Yes. PTSD can have a delayed onset, with symptoms sometimes appearing months or even years after the trauma. Symptoms can also be episodic, coming and going over time, and may be triggered by life events or stress.

Is PTSD a sign of weakness?

Absolutely not. PTSD is a recognised medical condition that can affect anyone who has experienced trauma, regardless of their strength, training, or resilience. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Do I need to have been in combat to develop PTSD?

No. PTSD can develop from any traumatic experience, including training accidents, peacekeeping operations, witnessing trauma, or non-combat events. Research shows that non-deployed ADF members can experience PTSD at similar rates to those who have deployed.

Can PTSD be cured?

Many people with PTSD experience significant improvement with evidence-based treatment, and some no longer meet diagnostic criteria after completing therapy. While experiences may always be remembered, they no longer need to dominate your life.

Book with March Ahead

If you need a psychiatric assessment for a PTSD-related DVA claim, March Ahead provides comprehensive independent assessments with no waitlist. Our assessments include mandatory psychometric testing, and reports are typically completed within two weeks.

Call to Schedule: +61 734 351 513