Page 1: PTSD Diagnostic Criteria and Trauma Exposure

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder belongs to the category of Traumatic and Stressor-Related Disorders, alongside acute stress disorder, adjustment disorder, and prolonged grief disorder. The fundamental criteria for PTSD diagnosis include exposure to trauma, intrusion symptoms, persistent avoidance, mood alterations, and arousal symptoms lasting over one month.

Definition: PTSD requires exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, either through direct experience, witnessing, or learning about it happening to close ones.

Highlight: Intrusion symptoms manifest as involuntary distressing memories, dreams, flashbacks, and psychological distress when exposed to trauma-related cues.

Example: A person might experience recurring nightmares about the traumatic event or have intense anxiety when encountering situations reminiscent of the trauma.