Answer to Question #259995 in Psychology for But

Question

What conditions have to be met before a person can be diagnosed with post-traumatic-stress disorder?

Answer 1

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event either experiencing it or witnessing it. The first criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD listed in the DSM-5 is exposure to one or more traumatic event, which is defined as one that involved death or threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence. Experiencing the event could be direct, but it doesn't have to be.

Other conditions that have to be met may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Lastly, if one shows the following signs then it is clear that he/she is diagnosed with post-traumatic-stress disorder; Being easily startled or frightened , always being on guard for danger, self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast, trouble sleeping, Trouble concentrating and Overwhelming guilt or shame