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How
to Recognize Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
(last
updated September, 2003)
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The
diagnosis of PTSD is based upon the presence of three
types of symptoms following a traumatic event. |
| Re-experiencing
of the Traumatic Event
This
can include recurrent and intrusive, distressing
recollections, dreams, images or thoughts of the
event, or acting or feeling as though the event
were recurring.
Avoidance
This
includes efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, conversations,
places, people, or activities associated with the
event; inability to recall important aspects of
the event; lack of interest in things; withdrawal;
depressed mood.
Increased
Arousal
This
includes such symptoms as sleep disturbance, irritability
or anger, difficulty with concentration, hyper-vigilance,
or exaggerated startle response.
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All
symptoms of PTSD may also be present in other types
of disorders or may not be an indication of a disorder.
The presence of several of the above symptoms following
a traumatic event or traumatic history (e.g., early
abuse, repeated harassment) should, however, lead
to an investigation of the possibility of a psychological
syndrome or disorder.
All
of the above post-traumatic symptoms are normal
in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event.
PTSD is diagnosed only when they persist longer
than a month.
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