[Recommendations for independent medical examinations of PTSD claimants]

In Germany, like in many Western countries, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being diagnosed on an increased scale; it has become a major cost-producing factor of the healthcare and insurance industry. However, diagnosing PTSD may be problematic when it is primarily based on a symptom report. Although the forensic expert is expected to check the veracity of the symptoms reported, history taking, psychopathological assessment and diagnostic accuracy vary greatly among professionals. Thus, the diagnosis of PTSD often cannot be confirmed by later thorough inspection. Based on more than a decade of civil-forensic work in the area, the authors formulate recommendations for independent medical examinations in cases of claimed PTSD.