Actress Amber Heard had PTSD symptoms while filming blockbuster Aquaman 2 as a result of 'intimate partner violence' by Johnny Depp, a psychologist has told a court, as the defamation trial between the ex-couple continues

Amber Heard suffered post-traumatic stress symptoms while filming Aquaman 2, a psychologist who evaluated her told the court, as the actress' multi-million dollar defamation trial with Johnny Depp continues.

Yesterday, Dr Dawn Hughes was called as the first defence witness in the on-going US trial, as Amber's legal team started their case.

The clinical and forensic psychologist, who performed an evaluation on Amber and met with her for a total of 29 hours, said she had diagnosed Amber with PTSD as a result of 'intimate partner violence by Mr Depp'.

Johnny, 58, denies ever assaulting his ex-wife.

Today, while being cross examined by Johnny's legal team, Dr Hughes said that Amber had a 'number of PTSD symptoms while she was filming Aquaman 2', which is set for release next year.

Image: Warner Bros/DC/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock) Warner Bros/DC/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

'That interfered with her ability to really organise a lot of resources for herself in order to go forward and film that,' she added.

Johnny's lawyer then went on to list a number of activities Amber participates in such as cooking and regular exercise and said that she had a baby.

When the lawyer said Amber enjoyed time with friends, Dr Hughes responded: 'If she can, that has been diminished as a result of her PTSD symptoms, as a result of this case.'

Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

'She did all these things and you have made a determination that she's impaired with respect to her occupational function?' Johnny's lawyer asked.

Dr Hughes said in response: 'I made a determination that the symptoms interfered with her functioning. She does these things but it isn't like the symptoms aren't there.

'She has to continue to work even though she has a panic attack, even though she has intrusive recollections of the trauma, even though she's having heart palpitations and sweaty palms when something comes into her mind.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

'It doesn't stop her from doing she needs to do but it does interfere.'

Johnny is suing Amber for defamation over a 2018 article she wrote in The Washington Post, which his lawyers say falsely implies he physically and sexually abused her.

He is suing her for more than £38 million, saying her domestic abuse claims have harmed his career and reputation.

Amber has filed a countersuit against Johnny, seeking almost £78 million in damages and saying his legal team falsely accused her of fabricating claims against the actor.

Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

It has been reported that Amber has less than ten minutes of screen time in Aquaman 2.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will be released in March, but it has been alleged by film journalist Grace Randolph that Amber, who played leading lady Mera in the first film, won't be in the new movie as much.

Randolph, who is known for getting scoops about comic movies, wrote on Twitter last week: 'I hear #AmberHeard has less than 10 mins of screen time in #Aquaman2.'

The Mirror has contacted Warner Bros and Amber Heard's representatives for comment on the claim regarding her screen time.