DSM-5 criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder

Checklist of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD in adults, adolescents, and children older than 6 years.

Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence (directly, as a witness, learning it happened to a close other, or repeated exposure to aversive details)

Recurrent, involuntary, intrusive distressing memories of the event

Intrusion symptoms; at least 1 of 5 required.

Recurrent distressing dreams related to the event

Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) as if the event were recurring

Intense psychological distress at exposure to cues resembling the event

Marked physiological reactions to cues resembling the event

Avoidance of distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about the event

Avoidance symptoms; at least 1 of 2 required.

Avoidance of external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities) of the event

Inability to remember an important aspect of the event

Negative alterations in cognition/mood; at least 2 of 7 required.

Persistent, exaggerated negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world

Distorted blame of self or others about the cause or consequences of the event

Persistent negative emotional state

Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities

Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others

Persistent inability to experience positive emotions

Irritable behaviour or angry outbursts

Alterations in arousal and reactivity; at least 2 of 6 required.

Reckless or self-destructive behaviour

Hypervigilance

Exaggerated startle response

Problems with concentration

Sleep disturbance

Duration of disturbance is more than 1 month

Disturbance causes clinically significant distress or functional impairment

Disturbance is not attributable to a substance or another medical condition

ResultCriteria not met

Does not fulfil all DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD as entered.

Intrusion symptoms: 0 of 5 (need >=1)
Avoidance symptoms: 0 of 2 (need >=1)
Negative cognition/mood symptoms: 0 of 7 (need >=2)
Arousal/reactivity symptoms: 0 of 6 (need >=2)

When to use

Structuring a DSM-5 diagnostic assessment for suspected PTSD following trauma exposure.

Formula

Requires trauma exposure (A) + >=1 intrusion symptom (B, of 5) + >=1 avoidance symptom (C, of 2) + >=2 negative alterations in cognition/mood (D, of 7) + >=2 arousal/reactivity symptoms (E, of 6) + duration >1 month (F) + functional impairment (G) + not attributable to a substance/medical condition (H).

References

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. Washington, DC: APA; 2013.