About The Course
This curriculum covers the diagnosis and management of PTSD and complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Learn to differentiate between PTSD and C-PTSD, explore the neurobiology and symptoms of both, and identify treatment approaches for comorbidities. Gain an understanding of the phase-oriented management of complex trauma and explore the latest advancements in PTSD treatment modalities. Develop your skills in creating personalised treatment plans for diverse clinical scenarios.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is suitable for:
- Psychiatrists
- General Practitioners (GPs)
- Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (MHNPs)
- Psychologists
- Mental health professionals
- Clinicians working in or expanding into psychiatry and mental health care
Accreditation Information:
- Psychiatry Accreditation: This course is available for self-accreditation with the RANZCP and other relevant psychiatric and mental health organisations.
- GP Accreditation: In this curriculum, A Comprehensive Guide to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) – A Practical Guide are accredited by RACGP and GPMHSC for general practitioners, and PTSD Update 2023 is available for self-accreditation with RACGP for general practitioners.
- Upon completion, participants will receive 6 CPD hours (EA 5, RP 1) and a certificate of completion, which can be used to claim CPD.
What You'll Learn
- Recognise the clinical features and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Examine the neurobiology of PTSD
- Consider the differences in PTSD phenotypes
- Determine how to correctly diagnose patients with PTSD
- Explore a range of management options for patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Understand the staging approach to PTSD
- Apply stage-based treatment modalities in PTSD
- PTSD Algorithm
- Manage PTSD and comorbidities effectively
- Implement targeted PTSD treatments
- Identify the clinical features and symptoms of PTSD and its relationship to C-PTSD
- Explore the overlap between borderline personality disorder and C-PTSD
- Develop strategies for assessing a patient for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Identify the clinical features and symptoms of C-PTSD
- Explore a range of management options for patients with C-PTSD
Course Programme
15 Units | 46 Modules | 6 hours total length
- What Is Psychological Trauma?
- Cluster of Symptoms for Psychological Trauma
- When Does Psychological Trauma Become PTSD?
- Stages of development of PTSD
- Neuroendocrine features of PTSD
- Neurochemical features of PTSD
- Neuroanatomic features of PTSD
- Differences in PTSD Phenotypes
- Integrated Model of PTSD
- Symptoms of PTSD
- Diagnostic Tool for PTSD
- Risk Assessment for PTSD
- Case Study
- Important concepts of PTSD treatment
- Psychotherapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Non-Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Pharmacotherapy
- Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of PTSD
- Case Study
- Knowledge Check
- The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Diagnostic Category of C-PTSD
- Clusters of Symptoms of Psychological Trauma
- Causes of C-PTSD
- Key Features of C-PTSD
- Neurobiology of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, C-PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder
- Overlaps Between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, C-PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder
- Key Differences Between PTSD, C-PTSD and BPD
- Assessing ACEs
- Identifying Clinical Symptoms of C-PTSD
- Cluster of Symptoms of C-PTSD
- Case Study
- Phase-Oriented Approach to Management of Complex Trauma
- Psychological Therapies
- Case Study
- Knowledge Check
- PTSD Staging
- Stage Based Treatment Modalities
- PTSD Algorithm
- PTSD and Comorbidities
- PTSD and Substance Use
- PTSD and BPAD
- PTSD and Sleep Dysfunction
- PTSD and MDD
- Knowledge Check
Course Description
Understanding PTSD and C-PTSD: A Comprehensive Curriculum
Understanding PTSD and C-PTSD, this curriculum offers a thorough exploration of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Designed for psychiatrists, general practitioners, and other allied health professionals, it provides essential knowledge to identify, diagnose, and manage these complex conditions. Throughout the curriculum, participants will learn about the neurobiology of PTSD and C-PTSD, gaining insight in to the neurobiological impact of trauma, while differentiating between PTSD and C-PTSD symptoms.
The curriculum includes three comprehensive courses:
- A Comprehensive Guide to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) – A Practical Guide
- PTSD Update 2023
Blending theoretical knowledge with practical content, it covers advancements in PTSD treatment, including stage-based modalities and emerging treatment options. It also highlights the importance of addressing comorbidities and assessing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The curriculum focuses on evidence-based management strategies, ensuring professionals deliver personalised care to individuals affected by PTSD and C-PTSD.
Upon completion, participants will receive a course completion certificate and 6 CPD hours (EA 5, RP 1)

A Comprehensive Guide to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This course offers a structured approach to understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including its clinical features, neurobiology, and diagnostic challenges. Participants will examine PTSD symptoms, explore its impact on brain function, and understand the key differences between PTSD phenotypes. Furthermore, the course covers diagnostic criteria based on DSM-5 and ICD-11 guidelines, ensuring accurate assessment and recognition of this condition.
With a strong emphasis on PTSD management, participants will gain evidence-based strategies for psychological and pharmacological treatments. These insights will help professionals develop treatment plans that improve patient outcomes through personalised interventions. Designed for mental health professionals, this course will enhance clinical expertise in PTSD care.
Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) – A Practical Guide
This course addresses the unique diagnostic and management challenges associated with C-PTSD. Mental health professionals will gain essential knowledge to identify clinical features, understand neurobiology, and differentiate C-PTSD from PTSD and borderline personality disorder. Additionally, participants will learn to assess adverse childhood experiences and their long-term impact on mental health.
The course also discusses evidence-based management strategies, including a phase-oriented approach to treating complex trauma. Through practical insights into psychological therapies and trigger identification, participants will learn to adapt treatment plans to individual needs. By focusing on accurate diagnosis and effective intervention, this course equips clinicians with the tools needed to enhance patient care.
PTSD Update 2023
Designed to provide the latest insights, this course explores new treatments and structured management strategies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The course presents a staging approach to PTSD, helping clinicians understand symptom progression and apply stage-based treatment modalities. Additionally, it introduces the PTSD Psychopharmacological Algorithm, offering a systematic method for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Participants will deepen their understanding of PTSD comorbidities, such as major depressive disorder, bipolar affective disorder, and substance use disorders, highlighting the need for integrated care. The course also examines the critical link between PTSD and sleep dysfunction, presenting targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes. Stay updated with advancements in PTSD care while refining your clinical practice with evidence-based approaches.
By the end of this curriculum, participants will be equipped with the knowledge to diagnose, manage, and treat PTSD and C-PTSD effectively. Understanding the neurobiological aspects and treatment strategies will enhance clinical expertise.
Enrol today to improve patient care and advance your professional practice.
While our Academy members enjoy exclusive access to a range of courses and webinars (including this course) with their annual membership, we’re pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase it individually!
Please click on the respective links to take advantage of this offer.
For Psychiatrists: The PTSD Curriculum for Psychiatrists
For General Practitioners: The PTSD Curriculum for General Practitioners (GPs)
Understand PTSD and C-PTSD, their clinical features, diagnosis, and management. Explore neurobiology, phenotypes, treatment modalities, and the latest advancements to improve patient outcomes.
