Table 1.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder.

DSM Criterion	Description	Qualifiers
A	Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence	Directly experiencing the event Witnessing the event as it occurred to others Learning about the event happening to a loved one Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the event
B	One or more intrusive symptom associated with the traumatic event that begins after the event occurred	Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive memories Recurrent distressing dreams Dissociative reactions such as flashbacks Intense or prolonged psychological distress when exposed to cues or reminders of the event Physiological reactions when exposure to cues or reminders of the event
C	Persistent avoidance of trauma-associated stimuli	Avoid distressing memories, thoughts, feelings Avoid external reminders that may arouse distressing memories, thoughts, feelings
D	Negative alterations in cognitions and mood	Inability to remember traumatic event details Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs/expectations about oneself, others, or the world Persistent, distorted cognitions about cause/consequence of the trauma Negative emotional stat Diminished interest in participation in significant activities Detached feelings Persistent inability to experience positive emotions
E	Alterations in arousal and reactivity	Irritable behavior and angry outbursts towards people or objects Reckless/self-destructive behavior Hypervigilance Heightened startle response Difficulty concentrating Disrupted sleep cycle
F	Duration of disturbance is at least one (1) month
G	Clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
H	Disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of an illicit substance, medication, or other medical condition