How is post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosed?

How is post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosed?

Christopher Reist (Academic Psychiatrist, Co-Author of “Psychiatry”) gives expert video advice on: What are the most common causes of post-traumatic stress disorder?; What are the most common dangers associated with post-traumatic stress disorder?; Is there anything I can do to avoid developing post-traumatic stress disorder? and more...

Post-traumatic stress disorder is diagnosed according to some very specific criteria. If you're seeing a psychiatrist or mental health professional for post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, they'll be very interested in understanding what you're experiencing currently, what the nature of the trauma was, and looking at how it's impacted your functioning; both socially and occupationally. It'll also be important for them to have an idea of your past social and psychiatric history, as well as your family history. Once that's completed, they'll create what we call a differential diagnosis, or a list of the possible conditions that might explain your condition. These will then be eliminated, one by one, through further information-gathering, possibly medical tests, or a physical exam. They will then arrive at the diagnosis and be able to devise a specific treatment plan to help you.