According to the DSM-V one must meet the following criteria for a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A person must have A + 1 of B + 1 of C + at least 2 of D + at least 2 of E + F + G.

• A - Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.


• B1 - Recurrent, involuntary and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s).
• B2 - Recurrent, distressing dreams in which the content &/or affect of the dream is related to the traumatic event.
• B3 - Dissociative reactions in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) are recurring.
• B4 - Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).
• B5 - Marked physiological reactions to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the trauma.


• C - Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event(s) that occurred at or during the event(s) or after the event(s).


• D1 - Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event(s).
• D2 - Persistent & 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”).
• D3 - Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame him, herself or others.
• D4 - Persistent negative emotional state (e.g. fear, horror, anger, guilt or shame).
• D5 - Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
• D6 - Feeling of detachment or estrangement from others.
• D7 - Persistent inability to experience positive emotions (e.g. happiness, satisfaction or loving feelings).


• E1 - Irritable behaviour & angry outbursts typically expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects.
• E2 - Reckless or self-destructive behaviour.
• E3 - Hyper-vigilance.
• E4 - Exaggerated startle response.
• E5 - Problems with concentration.
• E6 - Sleep disturbance (e.g. difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep).


• F - Duration of the disturbance is more than 1 month.


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


• H - Exclude the diagnosis if symptoms are the direct effects of a substance.