What is Criterion A for PTSD?
Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence
Includes direct experience, witnessing events, learning about events involving close ones, or repeated exposure to details.
What are the four ways to meet Criterion A for PTSD?
- Direct experience of the traumatic event(s)
- Witnessing, in person, the event(s) as it occurred to others
- Learning that the event(s) occurred to a close family member or friend
- Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of traumatic events
What does Criterion B for PTSD entail?
Presence of one or more intrusion symptoms
This includes distressing memories, dreams, flashbacks, distress at reminders, and physiological reactions.
List examples of intrusion symptoms as per Criterion B.
- Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories
- Recurrent distressing dreams
- Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks)
- Intense or prolonged distress at trauma reminders
- Physiological reactions to trauma reminders
What is Criterion C for PTSD?
Persistent avoidance of trauma-related stimuli
Includes avoidance of memories, thoughts, feelings, or external reminders.
What types of avoidance are described in Criterion C?
- Avoidance of distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings
- Avoidance of external reminders (people, places, activities)
What does Criterion D entail for PTSD?
Negative alterations in cognition and mood (two or more)
This involves various negative cognitive and emotional states.
List examples of negative alterations in cognition and mood as per Criterion D.
- Inability to recall important aspects of the trauma
- Persistent negative beliefs or expectations about self, others, or the world
- Distorted blame of self or others
- Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, anger, guilt)
- Diminished interest or participation in significant activities
- Feelings of detachment or estrangement
- Inability to experience positive emotions
What is Criterion E for PTSD?
Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity (two or more)
Involves changes in behavior and emotional responses.
List examples of alterations in arousal and reactivity as per Criterion E.
- Irritable behavior and angry outbursts
- Reckless or self-destructive behavior
- Hypervigilance
- Exaggerated startle response
- Problems with concentration
- Sleep disturbance
What is the duration criterion for PTSD symptoms?
Symptoms must last more than 1 month
This refers to Criteria B, C, D, and E.
What does Criterion G specify for PTSD?
Clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning
What is Criterion H for PTSD?
Disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition
What are the specifiers for PTSD?
- With dissociative symptoms: Depersonalization or derealization
- With delayed expression: Full criteria not met until at least 6 months after the event
