F43.11 – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Acute

People with PTSD often face everyday struggles, such as intense psychological distress when reminded of past trauma. They may also experience increased psychological sensitivity, making them easily startled by sounds, sights, or situations others might find harmless. Daily life can feel overwhelming due to difficulties with concentration, sleep disturbances, and avoiding places or people that trigger painful memories.

To get a PTSD diagnosis, qualified mental health providers will conduct an evaluation where they might ask about past experiences involving a stressful event, particularly one that may have had a threatening or catastrophic nature. The assessment often includes exploring how these experiences could be affecting the person’s thoughts, emotions, and daily life. The person must also show actual or preferred avoidance of situations resembling or associated with the stressor, which was not present before the exposure.

Acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are trauma and stress-related disorders involving intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and changes in mood and arousal. ASD begins soon after the trauma, lasting 3 days to 1 month, while PTSD lasts over a month and can develop within 6 months of the event.