Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder resulting from exposure to a traumatic stressor. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) identifies the diagnostic criteria for a PTSD diagnoses.

The DSM-5 PTSD Diagnostic Criteria lesson provides information on PTSD diagnostic criteria and reviews key changes to the definition of PTSD according to the (DSM-5).

Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Describe what defines a PTSD Criterion A traumatic stressor.
• Cite factors that have an impact on whether someone develops PTSD.
• Describe characteristics of the traumatic stressor related to increased risk of PTSD.
• List the five Criterion B intrusion symptoms.
• Describe the two Criterion C avoidance symptoms.
• List the seven Criterion D negative changes to mood and cognition symptoms.
• Define the six Criterion E arousal and reactivity symptoms.
• Cite the duration of symptoms required to satisfy Criterion F.
• Describe how symptoms must present to satisfy Criterion G.
• Name conditions that could exclude a PTSD diagnosis according to Criterion H.
• Describe the two PTSD specifiers.