PTSD Trauma Evaluation and Diagnosis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to DSM-5, how long must PTSD symptoms persist to meet diagnostic criteria?
- At least 1 week
- At least 1 month (Correct answer)
- At least 3 months
- At least 6 months
Correct answer: At least 1 month
DSM-5 requires that PTSD symptoms persist for more than one month before a full diagnosis can be made.
Question 2: Which structured clinical interview is considered the gold standard for diagnosing PTSD?
- PCL-5
- IES-R
- CAPS-5 (Correct answer)
- TSI-2
Correct answer: CAPS-5
The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) is widely regarded as the gold-standard diagnostic interview for PTSD.
Question 3: A veteran reports recurrent distressing dreams related to combat but denies flashbacks or hypervigilance. Which DSM-5 PTSD criterion cluster do the nightmares belong to?
- Criterion B – Intrusion symptoms (Correct answer)
- Criterion C – Avoidance
- Criterion D – Negative cognitions and mood
- Criterion E – Alterations in arousal
Correct answer: Criterion B – Intrusion symptoms
Recurrent distressing dreams related to the traumatic event fall under Criterion B (Intrusion symptoms) in DSM-5.
Question 4: When evaluating for PTSD, which condition must always be considered in the differential because it shares features such as re-experiencing and avoidance?
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Acute Stress Disorder (Correct answer)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Correct answer: Acute Stress Disorder
Acute Stress Disorder presents with many overlapping symptoms but is distinguished by its time frame of 3 days to 1 month post-trauma.
Question 5: The 'Dissociative Subtype' specifier in DSM-5 PTSD is characterized by which two primary symptoms?
- Flashbacks and nightmares
- Depersonalization and derealization (Correct answer)
- Emotional numbing and hypervigilance
- Avoidance and negative cognitions
Correct answer: Depersonalization and derealization
The Dissociative Subtype is marked by persistent or recurrent depersonalization and/or derealization in addition to meeting full PTSD criteria.
Question 6: A clinician suspects PTSD in a child aged 4. Which assessment tool is specifically designed for preschool-age children?
- CPSS-5
- CAPS-CA-5 (Correct answer)
- DICA-R
- UCLA PTSD-RI
Correct answer: CAPS-CA-5
The CAPS-CA-5 (Child/Adolescent version) has a preschool module adapted for children under age 6.
Question 7: Which DSM-5 PTSD criterion addresses persistent negative alterations in cognitions and mood such as persistent blame of self?
- Criterion B
- Criterion C
- Criterion D (Correct answer)
- Criterion E
Correct answer: Criterion D
Criterion D covers persistent negative alterations in cognitions and mood, including distorted self-blame and persistent negative emotional states.
PTSD Trauma Evaluation and Diagnosis 2
According to DSM-5, how long must PTSD symptoms persist to meet diagnostic criteria?