New Criteria for PTSD Diagnosis in the DSM-5

The criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) changed substantially in May 2013 when the DSM-IV-TR was updated to the DSM-5. PTSD has been reclassified as a disorder of trauma and stress. As defined in Chapter 5, PTSD is a disorder in which an individual continues to feel elevated levels of anxiety and fear after a traumatic event has ceased (p. 152). Some researchers and clinicians have expressed concern regarding the effects of the reclassification and criteria changes on men and women in the armed services. Studies conducted at the Walter Reed Army Institute for Research found some concerning issues when considering these changes. Dr. Charles Hoge conducted one of the first studies to directly compare the original DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria checklists in a sample of infantry soldiers.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140814000819.htm

After reading the summary of “Reclassification of PTSD Diagnosis Potentially Excludes Soldiers Diagnosed under Previous Criteria,” consider the questions below. Then submit your responses.

Question 1

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Question 2

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According to the article, what percentage of soldiers who met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD under the DSM-IV-TR would not meet the criteria under the DSM-5?

Question 3

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According to the article, what percentage of soldiers who meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD under the DSM-5 would not have met the criteria under the DSM-IV-TR?

Question 4

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What could be an unintended consequence for our military men and women if they do not meet the current DSM-5 criteria for PTSD but are instead diagnosed with an adjustment disorder?
Answers will vary. One possibility: Under military regulations those soldiers may not be entitled to benefits and therefore will not have as many opportunities for treatment, or they may be put on unpaid administrative leave.

Question 5

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Roughly the same percentage of soldiers met criteria for PTSD according to the two definitions, but the two PTSD definitions did not identify the same individuals.

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