PTSD Definition

• Exposed to traumatic event where both are present: experienced, witnessed, confronted with events that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury, or threat to physical integrity of self or others

• Response invalid free, helplessness or horror

PTSD SYMPTOM CLUSTERS

• Re-experiencing: Recurrent and intrusive distressing recollections, dreams, flashbacks, psychological and/or physiological distress in response to “cues” (triggers).

• Avoidance: Efforts to avoid thoughts/feelings, places, activities, triggers; inability to recall details, feelings of detachment from others.

• Increased arousal: Sleep difficulties, irritability or anger, difficulty concentrating, hyper-vigilance, exaggerated startle response.

According to APA (2000, P. 467)