Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Criteria
Jamie Marich, Ph.D., LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, RMT, edited by C. E. Zupanick, Psy.D.This section is meant to be an informative guide only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis. These diagnostic summaries are only meant for educational purposes, not diagnostic ones. If you believe that these patterns of symptoms describe you or someone you love, seek out a professional opinion by a treatment provider who understands trauma.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Directly experiencing or witnessing a) death or threat of death; b) serious injury or threat of serious injury; or c) sexual violation;
- Intrusion symptoms - one symptom required;
- Avoidance symptoms - one symptom required;
- Negative thoughts and feelings - two symptoms required;
- Arousal and reactivity symptoms - two symptoms required;
- Duration of symptoms longer than one month;
- Functional impairment due to disturbances (examples of this can include being unable to work; limited productivity at work; problems in social situations or relationships; problems with health);
- Not attributed to another medical condition