Definition:
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), the criteria to diagnose Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is as follows:
Criterion A: Stressor/Traumatic Event
Trauma survivors must have been exposed to actual or threatened:
- death
- serious injury
- sexual violence
The exposure can be:
- direct
- witnessed
- indirect, by hearing of a relative or close friend who has experienced the event—indirectly experienced death must be accidental or violent
- repeated or extreme indirect exposure to qualifying events, usually by professionals—non-professional exposure by media does not count
Criterion B: Intrusion or Re-Experiencing
The traumatic event is persistently re-experienced in the following way(s):
- Intrusive thoughts or memories
- Nightmares related to the traumatic event
- Flashbacks, feeling like the event is happening again
- Psychological and physical reactivity to reminders of the traumatic event, such as an anniversary
Criterion C: Avoidance
Avoidant symptoms describe ways that someone may try to avoid any memory of the event, and must include one of the following:
- Avoiding thoughts or feelings connected to the traumatic event
- Avoiding people or situations connected to the traumatic event
Criterion D: Negative Alterations in Mood or Cognitions
A decline in someone’s mood or though patterns, which can include:
- Memory problems that are exclusive to the event
- Negative thoughts or beliefs about one’s self or the world
- Distorted sense of blame for one’s self or others, related to the event
- Being stuck in severe emotions related to the trauma (e.g. horror, shame, sadness)
- Severely reduced interest in pre-trauma activities
- Feeling detached, isolated or disconnected from other people
Criterion E: Increased Arousal Symptoms
Increased arousal symptoms are used to describe the ways that the brain remains “on edge,” wary and watchful of further threats. Symptoms include the following:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability, increased temper or anger
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Hyper vigilance
- Being easily startled
Criterion F: Duration
Symptoms last for more than 1 month.
Criterion G: Functional Significance
Symptoms create distress or functional impairment (e.g., social, occupational).
Criterion H:
Symptoms are not due to medication, substance use, or other illness.
There are two specifications and further subtypes.