More help needs to be given to sufferers of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Welsh Lib Dems

12.00.00am GMT Wed 10th Feb 2010

The Welsh Liberal Democrats will use their opposition debate today to highlight the limited provision of specialist treatment for sufferers of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Wales.

Almost a third of people exposed to a stressful event or situation will go on to develop PTSD. In the Welsh Lib Dem Autumn Conference, the party voted unanimously in favour of calling for an urgent review into PTSD services in Wales.  

In 2008-09 there were 272 Combat Stress clients resident in Wales and yet the organization set up to help them only received £15,200 a year from 2008 to the present. In contrast the Scottish Government has committed £2.8 million to improve access to specialist mental health services for veterans.

Peter Black, Welsh Lib Dem Shadow Health Minister said:

"This disorder affects nearly a third of the population and yet not enough attention is given to it. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can affect anyone and can take years to surface. It often manifests itself in substance abuse, addictive behaviour and family breakdown.

"Many veterans who are suffering from PTSD find themselves without the help they need, which can lead to complex and difficult situations. This is not acceptable, particularly with so many of our troops returning from war zones.

"We want this issue to be debated because the Health Minister knows what should be happening but it is not being delivered. Frontline delivery of specialist treatment for sufferers of Disorder (PTSD) is inadequate and the lives of individuals and their families are suffering as a result. "

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Item 7: Welsh Liberal Democrats Debate (60 mins)

NDM4403 Peter Black (South Wales West)

The National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the limited provision of specialist treatment for sufferers of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Wales; and

2. Calls on the Welsh Assembly Government to recognise the prevalence of PTSD in Wales and to identify ways of extending treatment provision to those in need.