WAYS TO USE YOUR DIAGNOSIS

BACKGROUND + METHODOLOGY

A SNAPSHOT, NOT THE FULL STORY

This tool automates the DSM definition of PTSD. The upside is that the requirements have been translated with 100% accuracy. While there are many "trauma quizzes" online, they are not reliable/that do not honor the DSM definition. The upside here is you are getting results you can depend on with no liberties taken. The downside is the majority of people who experience trauma do not meet the official definition of PTSD. This can result in a mistaken assumption that someone is not suffering from trauma simply because they did not meet one of the many requirements outlined on the DSM definition. Still, It can be a useful starting point to gauge the severity of your trauma to find out if it meet the high threshold for PTSD.

FULL DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 

 A. Exposure to actual or threatened death h, serious injury, or sexual violence in one (or more) of the following ways: 

1. Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s). 

2. Witnessing, in person, the event(s) as it occurred to others. 

3. Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend. In cases of actual or threatened death of a family member or friend, the event(s) must have been violent or accidental. 

4. Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the trau- matic event(s) (e.g, first responders collecting human remains; police officers repeatedly exposed to details of child abuse). Note: Criterion A4 does not apply to exposure through electronic media, tele- vision, movies, or pictures, unless this exposure is work related. 

B. Presence of one (or more) of the following intrusion symptoms associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred:

1. Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s). Note: In children older than 6 years, repetitive play may occur in which themes or aspects of the traumatic event(s) are expressed. 

2. Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s). Note: In children, there may be frightening dreams without recognizable con- tent. 

3. Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring. (Such reactions may occur on a continuum, with the most extreme expression being a complete loss of awareness of present surroundings.) Note: In children, trauma-specific reenactment may occur in play. 

4. Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s). 

5. Marked physiological reactions to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s). 

Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by one or both of the following: 

1. Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s). 

2. Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversa- tions, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s). 

D. Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evi- denced by two (or more) of the following: 

1. Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event(s) (typically due to dissociative amnesia and not to other factors such as head injury, alcohol, or drugs). 

2. Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., "I am bad," "No one can be trusted," "The world is completely dangerous," "My whole nervous system is permanently ruined"). 

3. Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the trau- matic event(s) that lead the individual to blame himself/herself or others. 

4. Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame). 

5. Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities. 

6. Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others. 

7. Persistent inability to experience positive emotions (e.g, inability to experi- ence happiness, satisfaction, or loving feelings).

E. Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following: 

1. lrritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no provocation) typically expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects. 

2. Reckless or self-destructive behavior. 

3.  Hypervigilance. 

4. Exaggerated startle response. 

5. Problems with concentration. 

6. Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep). 

F. Duration of the disturbance (Criteria B, C, D, and E) is more than 1 month. 

G. The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. 

H. The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., medication, alcohol) or another medical condition.

The above criteria apply to adults. Distinct considerations for children can be found in the DSM-5.