PTSD

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a diagnosis that applies to some individuals who have experienced trauma, but not all. A licensed and qualified mental health professional can diagnose PTSD based on observed signs and reported symptoms. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD, outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, defines a traumatic event and categorizes various effects that can result from and persist after such exposure.

A PTSD diagnosis is applicable when an individual exposed to a traumatic event exhibits certain effects across defined categories, with a significant impact over a sustained period. If less than one month has passed since the traumatic event, an acute stress disorder diagnosis may be appropriate instead. Additionally, when trauma is clinically relevant but does not meet the full criteria for PTSD or acute stress disorder, an unspecified trauma- and stressor-related disorder may apply.

PTSD Therapy

The primary goals of developing and using diagnoses for health-related conditions, including trauma, are to establish a common understanding of the condition, guide treatment, facilitate research, and address insurance billing. However, it’s important to note that the presence or absence of a formal diagnosis does not neatly delineate the severity or validity of an individual’s trauma. Not having a diagnosis does not diminish the reality of your struggles, and having one does not imply you are worse off or further from healing.

Some individuals find value in receiving a diagnosis, as it can provide a sense of coherence and commonality, offering reassurance that they are not alone in their experiences. Conversely, others may feel that a diagnosis is pathologizing or stigmatizing, suggesting it defines them. Both perspectives hold validity, and it’s possible to have mixed feelings about the matter. The mental health profession, particularly in the trauma field, has experienced ambivalence regarding diagnostic labels.

As our understanding of trauma evolves, there has been a call to update the formal diagnostic framework. Many experts argue that the current definition of a traumatic event used for diagnosing PTSD is too narrow, as it does not adequately consider individuals who develop trauma due to prolonged exposure to traumatic circumstances. To address this, the classification of Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) has been proposed. While this concept has gained recognition and support in the trauma treatment community and is under consideration for inclusion in future editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it is not currently part of the manual. However, the World Health Organization has included C-PTSD in the latest revision of their International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), marking an important step toward formal recognition.

Regardless of your stance on diagnostic labels or which diagnosis—if any—best fits your experiences, trauma treatment can provide support and healing.

If you are interested in working with one of our therapists, feel free to call or text the office at (240) 274-5680 or emailing Admin@HealingLLC.com.