I wanted to add more and give you the latest definition of DSM-5 with regards to PTSD. DSM-5 is the latest classification, and how psychiatry defines mental health conditions.
The condition lasts at least 1 month and result from experiencing actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence as manifested by at least one of the following:
*directly experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event(s)
*becoming aware of close friends or family members suffering a traumatic events)
*repeated exposure to aversive aspects of traumatic events
INTRUSION SYMPTOMS:
Presence of at least one of the following after experiencing traumatic event(s):
*recurring distressing memories of the event
*frequent nightmares involving the traumatic event(s)
*flashback that may be accompanied by dissociative reactions as if the individual were reliving the traumatic event(s)
*intense reactive distress when in the presence of cues that serve as reminders of the traumatic event(s).
AVOIDANCE SYMPTOMS: Chronic avoidance behaviors beginning after occurrence of traumatic events(s). As manifested by at least one of the following: attempts to avoid distressing thoughts, feelings or memories reminiscent of the traumatic event(s): avoidance of external stimuli that may serve as reminder of the traumatic event(s).
NEGATIVE MOOD : Negative transformations of mood or thought related to the traumatic event(s), with onset after the event transpired, and manifested by at least two of the following:
*dissociative amnesia—inability to remember details of the traumatic event(s)
*chronic and exceedingly negative attitudes and expectations about oneself, others, or surroundings
*self blame, or blame others due to chronic inaccurate thoughts about the cause of effect of traumatic events)
*chronic negative feelings
*loss of interest in significant activities
*Alienation from others
*chronic inability to experience a positive emotion or feeling
AROUSAL SYMPTOMS. Significant changes in sensitivity to traumatic event(s) starting or worsening after the traumatic event(s) as indicated by at least two of the following:
*unprovoked irritability and temper tantrums
*irresponsible self-destructive activities
*hypervigilance
*heightened startle reaction
*difficulty in focusing and concentrating
*disrupted sleep patterns
Each person’s potential PTSD may be unique and different but you must have these signs and symptoms to be diagnosed with PTSD.
Hope this helps, a bit more. Knowledge is power.
- Rob
