With regards to a sufferers' actions being "justifiable" (by their carer), that's quite subjective and vast if we are talking about the difference between two people who are in a very serious committed relationship or two people who are dating.

I would not expect my boyfriend of 6 months, who does not live with me, to excuse a "shut out" of weeks or more.

However, I do expect my husband to, if that should ever happen (and it could!). Why? Because he made a commitment to me when we married and he knew before we wed that I had PTSD.

I think it all comes down to the commitment that the two individuals made together. If there is no commitment, then how can there be expectations?