1.

Person is exposed to a traumatic event—death or threatened death, severe injury, or sexual violation.

2.

Person experiences at least one of the following intrusive symptoms: • Repeated, uncontrolled, and distressing memories • Repeated and upsetting trauma-linked dreams • Dissociative experiences such as flashbacks • Significant upset when exposed to trauma-linked cues • Pronounced physical reactions when reminded of the event(s).

3.

Person continually avoids trauma-linked stimuli.

4.

Person experiences negative changes in trauma-linked cognitions and moods, such as being unable to remember key features of the event(s) or experiencing repeated negative emotions.

5.

Person displays conspicuous changes in arousal and reactivity, such as excessive alertness, extreme startle responses, or sleep disturbances.

6.

Person experiences significant distress or impairment, with symptoms lasting more than a month.

Information from: APA, 2013.