PTSD 101: Symptoms, DSM Criteria, and How to Know If You Have It
- The Mindful Balance
- Mar 6
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 11
Why It Matters: 💥 PTSD: What You Need to Know
Many people associate PTSD with veterans, but it affects people from all walks of life—especially those who have experienced trauma, chronic stress, or ongoing emotional abuse.
If you've ever wondered, "Do I have PTSD?" this guide will help clarify symptoms, definitions, and what the DSM says about it.
The Breakdown: Definition, Criteria & Codes
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
The DSM-5 code for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is 309.81, and the ICD-10 code is F43.10.
DSM-5 Criteria for PTSD
Re-experiencing the event: Recurrent memories, nightmares, flashbacks, or feeling as if the event is happening again
Avoidance: Avoiding people, places, or things that remind you of the event
Altered mood: Persistent negative feelings, distorted blame, or trauma-related emotions
Altered reactivity: Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, hypervigilance, or sleep disturbances
Dissociative reactions: Depersonalization, derealization, or feeling like an outside observer of yourself
Other PTSD Criteria
The event involved a threat of death or serious injury
The person's response involved intense fear, helplessness, or horror
The disturbance lasts more than one month
The disturbance causes significant distress or impairment
The disturbance is not caused by a substance or other medical condition
PTSD can also develop after experiencing a violent assault, natural disaster, military combat, or other life-threatening events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
💥 What are the key symptoms of PTSD?
The key symptoms of PTSD fall into four main categories, as defined by the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition):
1. Intrusive Symptoms (Re-experiencing the Trauma)
Flashbacks – Feeling like the traumatic event is happening again
Nightmares – Disturbing dreams related to the trauma
Intrusive Thoughts – Unwanted, distressing memories of the event
Emotional or Physical Distress – Strong reactions to triggers that remind the person of the trauma
2. Avoidance Symptoms (Trying to Block Out the Trauma)
Avoiding Trauma-Related Thoughts or Feelings – Not wanting to talk or think about the event
Avoiding Trauma-Related People, Places, or Activities – Staying away from anything that reminds them of what happened
3. Negative Changes in Thoughts & Mood (Cognitive and Emotional Disturbances)
Difficulty Remembering Parts of the Trauma (Dissociation)
Negative Self-Perception – Feeling guilty, ashamed, or "damaged"
Blaming Oneself or Others – Distorted beliefs about the cause of the trauma
Loss of Interest in activities once enjoyed
Feeling Detached or Isolated from others
Inability to Feel Positive Emotions – Struggling to feel happiness or love
4. Hyperarousal & Reactivity Symptoms (Heightened Stress Response)
Irritability or Angry Outbursts – Overreacting to minor triggers
Hypervigilance – Always feeling "on edge" or in danger
Exaggerated Startle Response – Feeling extremely jumpy
Difficulty Concentrating – Brain fog or trouble focusing
Sleep Disturbances – Trouble falling or staying asleep
Other PTSD-Related Symptoms
Dissociation – Feeling disconnected from reality (depersonalization or derealization)
Physical Symptoms – Headaches, stomachaches, chronic pain, or immune system issues related to stress
To be diagnosed with PTSD, symptoms must:
✔ Last more than one month
✔ Cause significant distress or impairment in daily life
✔ Not be due to medication, substance use, or another illness
💥 How do I know if my trauma “qualifies” for PTSD?
Determining whether your trauma qualifies for PTSD can be a nuanced and deeply personal process. PTSD doesn't have a specific "threshold" that trauma must meet, as different people respond differently to the same events. However, if you've experienced a significant traumatic event or series of events, it’s important to consider how it is affecting your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
If you resonate with some of these signs and symptoms, it’s important to remember that PTSD is not about the severity of the trauma, but how it affects your life. Some people may experience traumatic events and not develop PTSD, while others may develop it after events that others might not view as "severe."
Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can provide you with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your trauma and your experience are valid, and reaching out for support is an important first step in healing.
💥 Can PTSD come from emotional abuse, chronic illness, or childhood neglect?
Yes, PTSD can stem from emotional abuse, chronic illness, and childhood neglect. These types of trauma can deeply affect a person's emotional and psychological well-being, leading to symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness, similar to trauma from physical or sexual violence.
💥 Is PTSD treatable?
Yes, PTSD is treatable. Treatment options include therapy (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR), medication, and holistic approaches like mindfulness and support groups. Many people experience significant improvement with the right treatment and support.
💥 What is the difference between PTSD & CPTSD?
While PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) share similarities, C-PTSD is typically caused by prolonged, repeated trauma rather than a single traumatic event. It is more common in people who have experienced chronic abuse, neglect, captivity, or systemic oppression over time.
The ICD-11 code for complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is 6B41.
PTSD Statistics on Genders, Races, and Gender Identities:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects various demographics differently.
Gender Differences:
Women: Approximately 8% of women will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.
Men: About 4% of men are expected to develop PTSD during their lifetime.
Racial and Ethnic Variations: While specific statistics on PTSD prevalence among different racial and ethnic groups are limited, studies have indicated disparities in mental health outcomes:
Black Women: Research suggests that Black women may have higher rates of PTSD diagnoses compared to other groups.
Veterans: Within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, non-Hispanic Black transgender veterans have increased odds of various health issues, including PTSD, compared to non-Hispanic White transgender veterans.
Gender Identity Considerations:
Transgender Individuals: Transgender people are at a 1.6 to 3.9 times greater risk of probable PTSD compared to heterosexual populations.
These statistics highlight the importance of culturally competent mental health care that addresses the unique experiences of diverse populations.
💜 What Can You Do If You Recognize These Signs?
Options for therapy (EMDR, somatic therapy, CBT therapy, etc.)
Self-care & coping tools (breathwork, grounding techniques, mindfulness, etc.)
Seeking support & gaining resources (groups, healthcare professionals, safe friends and family)!
My Journey:
I, like many others, used to associate PTSD only with combat situations—until #MeToo happened. That’s when I began to recognize several of my own experiences as trauma: unwanted sexual experiences in my youth, teen and college years, inappropriate touch and language from male doctors, and workplace harassment.
When I was staying in a Ronald McDonald room after giving birth to my son, while he was in the NICU, I was terrified for his well-being. No one could convince me to leave that building without him. I breastfed him every three hours, visited him whenever they would let me, and pumped alone in a windowless room, desperately trying to produce enough milk so the staff could give him at least one bottle at night—just so I could get a little rest. I was exhausted from a difficult pregnancy, had just given birth, and was instantly thrust into this overwhelming routine. I looked and felt like the walking dead. It felt like I was there for months, but in reality, it was weeks.
When we finally got the OK to go home, my son required four surgeries, medical travel, countless doctor’s appointments, and specialized medical care for years. Even talking about it back then was traumatic—let alone living through it.
Then came my own medical journey, with PTSD and chronic illness as the aftermath. Being told I was making things up or that I was simply "weaker" only deepened the wounds.
Through it all, I learned that PTSD comes in many forms—far beyond what I had originally thought. Trauma isn’t just about the event itself; it’s about how your mind, body, and spirit process (or struggle to process) what happened.
I also recognize that I come from a place of societal privilege—being white and having financial resources in childhood. I know this privilege provided me with certain protections and opportunities that others don’t always have. But trauma doesn’t discriminate, and I’ve come to understand that healing requires compassion for both ourselves and others, regardless of our backgrounds.
If you’ve ever felt like your experiences “weren’t bad enough” to cause PTSD, I want you to know: your pain is valid. Your trauma is real. And healing is possible.
Your Turn:
Does this resonate with you? Have you ever wondered if PTSD explains your symptoms? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Sources:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – PTSDWebsite: https://www.ptsd.va.gov
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – PTSDWebsite: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
American Psychological Association (APA) – PTSD OverviewWebsite: https://www.apa.org/topics/ptsd
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – PTSD Treatment and StatisticsWebsite: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
National Center for PTSD – Research on PTSDWebsite: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/type/index.asp
The Trevor Project – Mental Health for LGBTQIA+ IndividualsWebsite: https://www.thetrevorproject.org
American Psychiatric Association – DSM-5 PTSD CriteriaWebsite: https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
ICD-10 and ICD-11 CodesWebsite: https://www.who.int/classifications/icd/en/
Personal Experience & Intuition – My unique perspective and experience
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