Symptoms used to diagnose
The ruleICD-11 diagnosis (not separate in DSM-5-TR): all PTSD symptoms, usually after prolonged or repeated trauma, plus three 'disturbances in self-organisation'.
Core symptoms
- Core PTSD symptoms (re-experiencing, avoidance, sense of threat)
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Deep negative self-view (worthless, defeated, ashamed)
- Ongoing difficulty in relationships
Other symptoms
- Emotional flashbacks
- Feeling numb or dissociated
- Intense reactions to small stressors
- Feeling permanently different from others
How diagnosis works
- All core PTSD symptoms.
- Plus 'disturbances in self-organisation': emotional dysregulation, persistently negative self-view (shame, guilt), and difficulty sustaining relationships.
A diagnosis is made by a qualified clinician after a full assessment — this summary is to help you understand it, not to self-diagnose.
Commonly used medications
Therapies & support
- Phased trauma-focused therapy
- EMDR
- Skills-based therapy (e.g. STAIR)
Sources
- 01Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)
American Psychiatric Association, 2022
- 02ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics — Chapter 6: Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders
World Health Organization, 2022
- 03The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines
Horowitz & Taylor, Wiley-Blackwell, 2024