Research suggests that Criterion A2 did not improve diagnostic accuracy (2).
Criterion A2, requiring that the response to a traumatic event involved intense fear, hopelessness, or horror, was removed from DSM-5.The revision of Criterion A1 in DSM-5 narrowed qualifying traumatic events such that the unexpected death of family or a close friend due to natural causes is no longer included.With no changes to the diagnostic criteria in DSM-5-TR, the comparison below remains unchanged. Overall, the symptoms of PTSD are generally comparable between DSM-5 and DSM-IV. Note: DSM-5 introduced a preschool subtype of PTSD for children ages six years and younger.īack to Top How Do the DSM-5 PTSD Symptoms Compare to DSM-IV Symptoms? Full diagnostic criteria are not met until at least 6 months after the trauma(s), although onset of symptoms may occur immediately. Experience of unreality, distance, or distortion (e.g., "things are not real").
Experience of being an outside observer of or detached from oneself (e.g., feeling as if "this is not happening to me" or one were in a dream). In addition to meeting criteria for diagnosis, an individual experiences high levels of either of the following in reaction to trauma-related stimuli: Difficulty experiencing positive affectĬriterion E (2 required): Trauma-related arousal and reactivity that began or worsened after the trauma, in the following way(s):Ĭriterion F (required): Symptoms last for more than 1 month.Ĭriterion G (required): Symptoms create distress or functional impairment (e.g., social, occupational).Ĭriterion H (required): Symptoms are not due to medication, substance use or other illness.Exaggerated blame of self or others for causing the trauma.