Studies cited by the VA suggest that the prevalence of PTSD will decline slightly under the DSM-5. The number of elements needed from Criterion D has remained the same: two. This simplification is consistent with the DSM-5’s emphasis on behavior – “negative alterations in cognitions and mood,” Criterion D. Trauma-related external reminders (e.g., people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or situations).Persistent effortful avoidance of distressing trauma-related stimuli after the event.The new Criterion C language in the DSM-5 is much simpler: For example, the new Criterion D specifically lists what is commonly called “survivor guilt.” The DSM-5 describes this as “persistent distorted blame of self or others for causing the traumatic event or for resulting consequences.” This is entirely new language that is not present in the DSM-IV.Īnother change from sub-dividing the DSM-IV Criteria C is that the sheer number of Criterion C elements has been reduced. Criterion C is “avoidance” and Criterion D is “negative alterations in cognitions and mood.” This subdivision more clearly defines the behavior that PTSD sufferers manifest according to clinical evidence. In the DSM-IV, Criterion C included “avoidance and numbing.” The DSM-5 subdivides those into Criterion C and Criterion D. Other Changes to PTSD DiagnosisĪnother change is sub-dividing Criterion C.

Veterans and advocates should read the entire list of disorders in the “trauma and stressor related disorders” category and keep this list in mind when reviewing medical records. This is important, because it could mean that veterans who do not receive a diagnosis for PTSD may, in fact, suffer from some other kind of “trauma and stressor-related disorder” that the VA could service connect. So what is different about the disorders in the new category? The DSM-5 differentiates the disorders in the category using different combinations of specific symptoms: expression of anxiety, externalizing anger or aggression, levels of depressive symptoms, and dissociative events. New DSM Category for Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders All of the disorders in this new class of “trauma and stressor-related disorders” share a common criteria: exposure to trauma. It was considered an Anxiety Disorder, but now it is a “trauma and stressor-related disorder.” Creating this new class of disorders is significant, because it means that the American Psychiatric Association has identified different kinds of disorders that arise from exposure to a traumatic event. The new DSM-5 criteria for PTSD arise from the DSM-5 completely changing PTSD’s category of disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5 th edition (DSM-5) has significantly changed the way psychologists and psychiatrists diagnose Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Dsm 5 criteria ptsd