Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Question 1

Criterion A

Answer 1

Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence in one following way
- directly experiencing event
witnessing, in person, the event
- learning that the traumatic event occured to a close family member or friend (event must have been violent or accidental)
- experiencing repeatedor extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event (first responders)

Question 2

Criterion B

Answer 2

Presence of ONE of more of the following INTRUSION symptoms
1. recurrent involuntary distressing memories
2. recurrent distressing dreams
3. dissociative reactions (flashbacks) where they feel it is occurring again
4. intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues
5. marked physiological reactions to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event

Question 3

Criterion C

Answer 3

persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event evidenced by ONE of the following
1. avoidance of or effort to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings tied to event
2. avoidance of or effort to avoid external reminders (people, places, etc)

Question 4

Criterion D

Answer 4

Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the event (need TWO of the following)
1. inability to remember an important aspect of the event
2. persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations of oneself
3. persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the event
4. persistent negative emotional state
5. markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities
6. feelings of detachment or estrangement from others
7. Persistent inability to experience positive emotions

Question 5

Criterion E

Answer 5

Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with the event (need TWO of the following)
1. irritable behavior and angry outbursts
2. reckless or self-destructive behavior
3. hypervigilance
4. exaggerated startle response
5. problems with concentration
6. sleep disturbance

Question 6

Criteria F-H

Answer 6

F: duration of disturbance is more than one month
G: The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment
H: The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or medical condition

Question 7

TRAAA

Answer 7

Traumatic Event
Re-experiencing
Avoidance
Alterations
Arousal

Question 8

Specifier: With dissociative symptoms

Answer 8

in response to the stressor, the individual experiences persistent or recurrent symptoms of either depersonalization or derealization

Question 9

Depersonalization

Answer 9

persistent or recurrent experiences of feeling detached from and as if one were outside their body observing

Question 10

Derealization

Answer 10

Persistent or recurrent experiences of unreality of surroundings (world around feels unreal or dream-like)

Question 11

Specifier: With delayed expression

Answer 11

If the full diagnostic criteria are not met until at least six months after the event (SOME MAY BE IMMEDIATE)