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P.T.S.D.

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER:

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

The person was exposed to: death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence, as follows: (one required)
  • Direct exposure
  • Witnessing the trauma
  • Learning that a relative or close friend was exposed to a trauma
  • Indirect exposure to aversive details of the trauma, usually in the course of professional duties (e.g., first responders, medics)
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All of the criteria are required for the diagnosis of PTSD. The following text summarizes the diagnostic criteria:

Intrusion symptoms

The traumatic event is persistently re-experienced in the following way (s):
  • Unwanted upsetting memories
  • Nightmares
  • Flashbacks
  • Emotional distress after exposure to traumatic reminders
  • Physical reactivity after exposure to traumatic reminders

Avoidance

Avoidance of trauma-related stimuli after the trauma, in the following way(s):
  • Trauma-related thoughts or feelings
  • Trauma-related external reminders

Negative Alterations in Cognitions and Mood

Negative thoughts or feelings that began or worsened after the trauma, in the following way(s):
  • Inability to recall key features of the trauma
  • Overly negative thoughts and assumptions about oneself or the world
  • Exaggerated blame of self or others for causing the trauma
  • Negative affect
  • Feeling isolated
  • Difficulty experiencing positive affect

Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity

Trauma-related arousal and reactivity that began or worsened after the trauma, in the following way(s):
  • Irritability or aggression
  • Risky or destructive behavior
  • Hypervigilance
  • Heightened startle reaction
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty sleeping

Duration

  • Symptoms last for more than 1 month.

Functional Significance

  • Symptoms create distress or functional impairment (e.g., social, occupational).

Exclusion

  • Symptoms are not due to medication, substance use, or other illness.