Is PTSD a disability in Australia?
Are people with PTSD eligible for NDIS support?
Key points:
- Approximately 5.7 percent of Australians have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder in the last year
- The National Disability Insurance Scheme does not fund the treatment of psychosocial disability, but people may be eligible for access to NDIS-funded support services to carry out day-to-day tasks
- New research has found that some people may be more likely to develop PTSD in response to trauma than others based on hormones in the human body
This edition of Disability Support Guide is intended to explain how post-traumatic stress disorder can develop and impact a person’s life, along with what avenues of support are available to those afflicted with this mental health condition.
It is estimated that three in four Australian adults have experienced a traumatic event at some point in their lives and international studies have estimated that 62 – 68 percent of young people will have been exposed to at least one traumatic event by the age of 17.
While experiences of a traumatic event are common, most people do not go on to develop a mental illness, such as PTSD. According to the National Study of Mental Health and Well-being 2020 – 2022, an estimated 11 percent of Australians experience PTSD in their life, with women being at almost twice the risk of men.
Symptoms of PTSD
Symptoms of PTSD, as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual V — the gold standard for mental health identification — include:
- re-experiencing the trauma;
- repetitive memories or flashbacks that are hard to control and intrude into everyday life;
- nightmares;
- anger management problems or self-destructive behaviour;
- depression and anxiety;
- extreme distress caused by reminders of the trauma;
- memories or disturbing thoughts that can be prompted by smells, sounds, words or other triggers;
- avoidance of stimuli associated with traumatic events.
Post-traumatic stress disorder may appear differently in children six years and younger, who have different criteria for receiving a PTSD diagnosis, with symptoms such as trauma-specific reenactments and/or scary dreams or nightmares without recognisable content.
Complex PTSD, often referred to as simply ‘C-PTSD,’ is distinguished based on long-term exposure to trauma or abuse that can lead to those with C-PTSD presenting with symptoms such as:
- difficulties expressing emotions,
- negative self-perception;
- trouble maintaining relationships or trusting others.
Both PTSD and C-PTSD are types of anxiety disorders and may be considered psychosocial disabilities under the National Disability Insurance Scheme if they require ongoing support for you to perform daily essential activities. For more information about the difference between a mental health condition and a psychosocial disability, please refer to the Disability Support Guide on psychosocial support.
Everyone who applies to the NDIS must meet eligibility criteria. These include age, residency and disability requirements.
You will need to submit an Evidence of Psychosocial Disability form, which is to be completed by your most appropriate clinician, and your support worker or appropriate person. This evidence form makes it easier for people with a psychosocial disability and supporters to collect evidence for NDIS eligibility.
You will also need to submit a standard Access Request Form or make a Verbal Access Request by calling the National Disability Insurance Agency, which runs the NDIS, on 1800 800 110.
It is important to remember the NDIS does not fund the treatment of psychosocial disability, but rather provides support to help you perform everyday tasks and live a fulfilling life.
There are other mainstream sources of support, advocacy and mental health, available for online counselling and emergency outreach. Please refer to the following resources for more information:
Alcoholics Anonymous — 1300 222 222
Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
Dementia Support Australia — 1800 699 799
Lifeline — 13 11 14
Mental Health Emergency — 13 14 65
Phoenix Australia — +61 3 9035 5599
Emergency services, in case of a mental health crisis — 000
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