PTSD expert witnesses
PTSD evidence addresses diagnosis, attribution, functional impact, treatment and prognosis. A traumatic event does not itself settle the diagnostic or causation question.
The evidence
What this instruction asks
Preparing a PTSD expert witness instruction
A PTSD expert witness should be given a clear, neutral request that identifies the clinical questions, the relevant period and the material on which the opinion is to proceed. In this context, the usual issues may include trauma-related symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and the functional effect of psychiatric injury. The instruction should distinguish those clinical questions from the factual and legal issues that remain for the court, and should not ask the practitioner to determine disputed facts.
A complete chronology helps the practitioner understand the presentation in context. Depending on the case, the relevant bundle may include contemporaneous medical and therapy records, occupational information, witness evidence and prior clinical reports. The expert will decide whether a current assessment, a records review or further information is needed. They should be able to state what the available evidence supports, where the evidence is incomplete and the limits that apply to any retrospective opinion.
Some instructions require more than one discipline. PTSD may sit alongside psychiatry or psychology, but each practitioner should have a defined remit. Focused questions and a proportionate bundle reduce duplication, assist efficient case management and allow the report to explain its reasoning, functional conclusions and clinical limits in a way the court can evaluate.
The report should identify the information considered, the clinical basis of the opinion and any uncertainties that cannot be resolved from the material provided.
Practitioners are listed across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Scope, documents and availability are agreed directly with the practitioner.
Related disciplines
Evidence that works alongside it
Report routes
Reports prepared
Condition and prognosis reports and Independent medical examination may be relevant depending on the issues, records and stage of the matter.
Directory search
PTSD listings
PTSD Expert Witness Cases & Claims
Related expert witness specialties
Questions answered
Frequently asked questions
Will a PTSD expert witness respond to Part 35 questions?
Yes - CPR 35.6 entitles the parties to put written questions on a report, and answering them is part of the expert's duty to the court. A PTSD report prepared for proceedings in England and Wales carries the Part 35 statement of truth, with equivalent duties applying in the other UK jurisdictions.
Can a PTSD expert act as a single joint expert?
Where the court directs a single joint expert under CPR 35.7, the instruction is agreed between the parties and put jointly - a routine basis of instruction in this field. Whether a particular practitioner accepts SJE appointments is confirmed with the practitioner at the enquiry stage.
Will the expert attend joint discussions or give evidence at trial?
Where the court directs discussions between experts under CPR 35.12, they meet and produce a joint statement of what is agreed and what is disputed; attendance at trial - in person or by video link - is likewise a matter of court direction. These commitments are confirmed with the practitioner at instruction.
Can I choose a PTSD expert of a specific gender, or one who assesses remotely?
Yes on both counts. Every listing displays the practitioner's gender, consulting locations and assessment types - face to face, remote or both - so sensitive-instruction preferences can be applied at the shortlisting stage, before any contact is made.