Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5), fifth edition, delineates the subsequent diagnostic criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

Criterion A

Exposure to real or imminent danger of death, serious injury, or sexual violence can manifest in various ways:

- Direct personal experience

- Witnessing the event firsthand

- Being informed of a traumatic incident involving a close friend or family member

- Enduring repeated or intense exposure to distressing aspects of the trauma, such as handling human remains

*However, it's important to note that exposure via electronic media, television, films, or images does not fall under these categories.

Criterion B
At least one of the following intrusion symptoms may occur:

• Repeated, involuntary, intrusive distressing memories

• Repeated distressing dreams related to the trauma

• Dissociative reactions where the individual feels or acts as if the trauma is recurring

• Severe psychological distress when exposed to internal or external cues that resemble aspects of the trauma

• Noticeable physiological reactions to internal and external cues

Criterion C
Continual avoidance of stimuli connected to the trauma can manifest as:

• Efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or emotions related to the event

• Avoidance of external cues or reminders triggering recollection of the trauma

Criterion D

Negative changes in cognition and mood, involving two or more of the following:

- Difficulty recalling aspects of the traumatic event

- Persistent and heightened negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world

- Continuous distorted thoughts regarding the causes and outcomes of the trauma, often resulting in self-blame or blame towards others

- Sustained negative emotional state

- Significant decrease in interest or engagement in previously enjoyed activities

- Sense of detachment from others

- Prolonged inability to feel positive emotions

Criterion E

Significant changes in arousal and reactivity linked to the trauma, involving two or more of the following:

- Displaying irritable behavior and frequent angry outbursts, which may include verbal or physical aggression

- Engaging in self-destructive behavior

- Heightened hypervigilance, characterized by an increased state of alertness and sensitivity to potential threats

- Experiencing an exaggerated startle response to stimuli

- Difficulty concentrating or sustaining focus

- Disturbances in sleep patterns

Criterion F

Duration of the disturbance (Criteria B, C, D, and E) is more than 1 month.

Criterion G

The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Criterion H

The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., medication, alcohol) or another medical condition.

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.