Diagnosis of Post-traumatic stress disorder

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A GP will refer an individual with symptoms of PTSD to a specialist clinic where a psychological assessment will be undertaken by a psychologist or psychiatrist.

A diagnosis depends on criteria similar to those of DSM-IV Criteria for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder:

A traumatic event occurred in which the person witnessed or experienced actual or threatened death or serious injury and responded with intense fear, shock or helplessness.
On exposure to memory cues, the person re-experiences symptoms, such as intrusive memories, nightmares or flashbacks.
The patient avoids trauma-related stimuli and feels emotionally numb.
The person has increased arousal, manifested by excess anger, irritability, guilt or difficulty concentrating and sleeping.
The symptoms persist for at least one month and significantly disturb the patient's social or occupational functioning (or both).

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