What Is PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)?
PTSD symptoms, the effects of trauma, and the scales used in assessment.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event and affect a person's daily life. It does not develop in everyone who experiences trauma, but when symptoms persist, assessment is warranted.
The four symptom clusters of PTSD
- Re-experiencing: Intrusive memories, nightmares, and flashbacks.
- Avoidance: Staying away from people, places, and situations that recall the trauma.
- Negative cognition/mood: Guilt, detachment, and negative beliefs about oneself and the world.
- Hyperarousal: Startle responses, sleep difficulty, anger, and constant vigilance.
Scales used in assessment
The PTSD Test can be used to screen for symptoms. To understand the origins of trauma, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scale helps; for accompanying dissociative symptoms, the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) is useful.
A result alone is not a diagnosis
These scales are for screening. A PTSD diagnosis is made only by a licensed professional, considering symptom duration, severity, and functional impact. Post-trauma difficulties are treatable; early assessment matters.
You can explore the related scales on the PTSD, ACE, and DES pages.