Second, these feelings must be different from those that may have been felt prior to the trauma. First, they must experience some form of arousal or reaction that started or became worse after the trauma. The individual must experience at least two of the criteria in this category as well to be considered for a PTSD diagnosis. Exaggerated self-blaming for the trauma that occurred.Decreased interest in activities once enjoyed.Overtly negative thoughts about themselves.Their inability to recall specific aspects of the event.Second, those thoughts or feelings must have changed based on: First, they must have negative thoughts or feelings that started or became worse after the trauma. In this category, the individual must experience at least two of the criteria to continue in the process towards a possible diagnosis. This may include the evasion of thoughts about the incident or people, places, or activities that remind them of it in some way. The individual must also demonstrate marked avoidance of trauma-related triggers and events after the initial trauma has occurred.

A physical reaction in response to triggers.Emotional distress when recalling the incident.

Next, the individual must persistently relive or re-experience the event in at least one of the following ways: The event must have involved them experiencing, witnessing, or learning that a loved one experienced actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. First, the individual must have experienced a traumatic incident in order for a PTSD diagnosis to be possible.

Dsm 5 definition and criteria for ptsd