It is also clear that depressive disorder can be a common and independent sequela of exposure to trauma and having a previous depressive disorder is a risk factor for the development of PTSD once exposure to a trauma occurs.
PTSD, previously considered an anxiety disorder, often develops alongside a generalized anxiety disorder. It can lead to other disorders, such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. 3 You may also develop phobias and overlapping anxiety symptoms as a result of the trauma.
Differentials diagnosis.
In the differential diagnosis of PTSD, it is important to consider acute stress disorder, dissociative disorders, depression, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, substance abuse, psychiatric manifestation of medical conditions, and malingering (Table 8).
Most people with PTSD—about 80%—have one or more additional mental health diagnoses. They are also at risk for functional impairments, reduced quality of life, and relationship problems. PTSD and trauma are linked to physical health problems as well.
Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
Addiction and PTSD are commonly linked. Indeed, they're bidirectional, meaning there are high rates of substance use disorder (SUD) with PTSD because PTSD is a risk factor for developing SUD, and SUD is a risk factor for developing PTSD after a trauma.
One reason that PTSD can be confused with generalized anxiety disorder is the intense anxiety you experience with both conditions. Intrusive thoughts and a tendency to feel angry or on edge are also fairly common with both.
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.
DSM-5 pays more attention to the behavioral symptoms that accompany PTSD and proposes four distinct diagnostic clusters instead of three. They are described as re-experiencing, avoidance, negative cognitions and mood, and arousal.
PTSD can co-occur with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Trauma may exacerbate symptoms of GAD, or vice versa. GAD may also impact how an individual responds to a traumatic event. Many signs of PTSD and GAD are similar, which can make it difficult to distinguish between the two disorders.
Acute stress disorder (ASD).
The symptoms of ASD are similar to PTSD, but occur within the first month after exposure to trauma. Prompt treatment and appropriate social support can reduce the risk of ASD developing into PTSD.
Just one traumatic experience triggers PTSD in some people. But some individuals go through repeated, multiple incidences of trauma, and this pattern can lead to what many professionals call complex PTSD.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental condition that some people develop after a shocking, terrifying, or dangerous event. These events are called traumas. After a trauma, it's common to struggle with fear, anxiety, and sadness. You may have upsetting memories or find it hard to sleep.
What is a secondary diagnosis? The secondary diagnosis refers to a coexisting condition that might exist at the time of patient admission. This condition might evolve over the course of the patient's stay, or it might be cause for further treatment.
Secondary diagnoses are “conditions that coexist at the time of admission, that develop subsequently, or that affect the treatment received and/or length of stay. These diagnoses are vital to documentation and have the potential to impact a patient's severity of illness and risk of mortality, regardless of POA status.
This is also known as post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Sometimes people use drugs or alcohol to manage their symptoms related to PTSD, which can lead to substance use disorders and addiction. In behavioral health, this condition is considered a dual diagnosis.
The CAPS is the gold standard in PTSD assessment. The CAPS-5 is a 30-item structured interview that can be used to: Make current (past month) diagnosis of PTSD.
The gold standard for diagnosing PTSD is a structured clinical interview such as the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5). When necessary, the PCL-5 can be scored to provide a provisional PTSD diagnosis.
To receive a diagnosis of PTSD, a person must have at least one re-experiencing symptom, at least three avoidance symptoms, at least two negative alterations in mood and cognition, and at least two hyperarousal symptoms for a minimum of one month.
Chronic feelings of guilt, shame and self-blame. Feelings of emptiness. Difficulty forming and maintaining close relationships. Feeling as through no one understands you or what you've been through.
PTSD doesn't share key symptoms of mania, which include high energy, heightened self-esteem, and feel rejuvenated even after not getting enough sleep. But some PTSD symptoms overlap with mania, including irritable moods and engaging in behaviors that may lead to harmful consequences.
The trauma and the PTSD may contribute to, trigger, or worsen a mood disorder like bipolar. Treatment is possible, though, and it can be effective in helping you build a better life.