PTSD for children DSM criteria

Question 1

Criteria A

Answer 1

In children 6 years and younger, exposure to actual or threatened death, 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, especially primary care-
   givers.

Note: Witnessing does not include events that are witnessed only in electronic media, television, movies, or pictures.

3. Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a parent or caregiving figure

Question 2

conclusions/opinions on A-criterion

Answer 2

1. relationship between severity of event and symptoms is important, there is a clear one
2. Events are distant causes, true causes lie within the person
3. the demarcation is arbitrary rather than scientific
4. We don’t do this in any other disorder

Question 3

ICD-11 diagnosis and screening

Answer 3

short questionnaires predict PTSD equally well as long ones

ICD has fewer symptoms.

Question 4

Complex PTSD

Answer 4

ICD-11, all normal requirements for PTSD

In addition, problems with
1) Affect regulation
2) diminished beliefs about self
3) difficulty sustaining relationships

Question 5

Controversy

Answer 5

1. Separate classification justified or not? Is it not simply a severe form of ‘normal’ PTSD or PTSD with comorbid symptoms.

Lot of overlap with DSM-5 diagnosis. Affect and intrusion is also mentioned under PTSD symptoms. Its argued wether additional ‘ complex ‘ form is justified.

2. Does it require a different treatment? Going into treatment for the additional emotion regulation problems first, before diving into the trauma.