Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:49 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health the assistance, if any, available to persons suffering post-traumatic stress disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24776/96]
Written Answers. - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Limerick East): Health boards are responsible for the delivery of health services, including mental health services, in their functional areas.
The boards are developing mental health services in line with the recommendations of the report of the study group "Planning for the Future" which was published in 1984 and which has been accepted as mental health policy by successive Governments. A shift in the delivery of services from a predominantly institutional to a community-based approach to care is a key recommendation of the report. This approach is underpinned in my Department's strategy for effective healthcare, "Shaping A Healthier Future".
Community-based care is provided by multidisciplinary teams of health professionals comprising consultant psychiatrists, psychologists, behavioural and occupational therapists, social workers and nurses and is integrated with other services including the general practitioner services.
Post traumatic stress disorder is one of a range of disorders which is treated on an out-patient basis, initially through the general practitioner service and, where appropriate by a multi-disciplinary team of the mental health services.