Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be characterized by persistent symptoms of reexperience, avoidance and numbing, and increased arousal following exposure to a traumatic event. Epidemiological studies showed that PTSD is the third most prevalent anxiety disorder. Since it's recognition in 1980 as a valid diagnosis, important conceptual changes occurred. This article presents a critical review of the literature regarding development of diagnosis criteria of PTSD in the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM) as well as information regarding its prevalence.
Post-traumatic stress disorder; Diagnosis; Prevalence