Differentials
Depression
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
May occur after exposure to trauma, but predominant symptoms are low mood, lack of energy, loss of interest, and suicidal ideation.
INVESTIGATIONS
Structured Clinical Interview for PTSD; patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5: patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[57]
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5: patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[61]
Specific phobias
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Fear and avoidance are cued by specific objects or situations.
Re-experiencing and restricted range of affect are not features.
INVESTIGATIONS
Structured Clinical Interview for PTSD; patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5: patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[57]
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5: patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[61]
Panic disorder
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks not cued by stimuli that recall a specific trauma (i.e., situationally bound or predisposed).
INVESTIGATIONS
Structured Clinical Interview for PTSD; patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5: patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[57]
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5: patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[61]
Adjustment disorders
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Variable presentation with symptoms of low mood, anxiety, worry, traumatic stress symptoms, and feelings of inability to cope, plan ahead, or carry on.
Symptom intensity is usually less.
Precipitating stressor may or may not meet Criterion A of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria.
INVESTIGATIONS
Structured Clinical Interview for PTSD; patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5: patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[57]
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5: patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[61]
Dissociative disorders
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Persistent and recurrent feelings of detachment and estrangement from oneself (depersonalization disorder).
Gaps in recall, often related to traumatic events (dissociative amnesia).
Absence of re-experiencing and hyperarousal symptoms.
INVESTIGATIONS
Structured Clinical Interview for PTSD; patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5: patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[57]
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5: patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[61]
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Recurrent intrusive thoughts, which are perceived as inappropriate, but are not related to a traumatic experience.
INVESTIGATIONS
Structured Clinical Interview for PTSD; patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5: patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[57]
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5: patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[61]
Psychosis
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Flashbacks and vivid intrusive images that are accompanied by perceptual and cognitive disorganization.
INVESTIGATIONS
Structured Clinical Interview for PTSD; patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5: patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[57]
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5: patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[61]
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