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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is defined somewhat differently, in terms of time lapses from the traumatic event. It refers to a similar constellation of symptoms that persist for more than 1 month after exposure:
- Acute PTSD: duration of symptoms <3 months
- Chronic PTSD: duration of symptoms ≥3 months
- Delayed onset PTSD: onset of symptoms at least 6 months after the stressor
Typical distressing recurrent symptoms:
- Intrusive features regarding experiences—recollections, nightmares, flashbacks
- Avoidance of events that symbolize or resemble the trauma
- Persistent negative alterations in cognitions and mood
- Hyperarousal phenomena: exaggerated startle response, irritability, anger, difficulty with sleeping and concentrating, hypervigilance, reckless or self-destructive behavior