Differentials
Depression
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Depression may occur after exposure to trauma, but the predominant symptoms are low mood, lack of energy, loss of interest, and suicidal ideation.
INVESTIGATIONS
Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders, fifth edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) or International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) criteria for depression.[1]
Structured DSM-5 (SCID) PTSD module; the patient does not meet DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[74]
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5): the patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[66]
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5 (PSS-I-5): the patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[68]
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
Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders, fifth edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) or International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) criteria for specific phobias.[1]
Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID) PTSD module; the patient does not meet DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[74]
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5): the patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[66]
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5 (PSS-I-5): the patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[68]
Panic disorder
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks not cued by stimuli that recall a specific trauma (i.e., situationally bound or predisposed).
INVESTIGATIONS
Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders, fifth edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) or International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) criteria for panic disorder.[1]
Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 PTSD module; the patient does not meet DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[74]
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5): the patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[66]
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5 (PSS-I-5): the patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[68]
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.
Symptoms are usually less intense.
The precipitating stressor may or may not meet Criterion A of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders, fifth edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) diagnostic criteria.
INVESTIGATIONS
Meets DSM-5-TR or International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) criteria for adjustment disorders.[1]
Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) module; the patient does not meet DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[74]
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5): the patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[66]
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5 (PSS-I-5): the patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[68]
Dissociative disorders
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Persistent and recurrent feelings of detachment and estrangement from oneself (depersonalisation disorder).
Gaps in recall, often related to traumatic events (dissociative amnesia).
Absence of re-experiencing and hyper-arousal symptoms.
INVESTIGATIONS
Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders, fifth edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) or International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) criteria for dissociative disorders.[1]
Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 PTSD module; the patient does not meet DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[74]
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5): the patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[66]
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5 (PSS-I-5): the patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[68]
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Recurrent intrusive thoughts, which are perceived as inappropriate, but are unrelated to a traumatic experience.
INVESTIGATIONS
Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders, fifth edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) or International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder.[1]
Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID) PTSD module; the patient does not meet DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[74]
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5): the patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[66]
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5 (PSS-I-5): the patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[68]
Psychosis
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Flashbacks and vivid intrusive images that are accompanied by perceptual and cognitive disorganisation.
INVESTIGATIONS
Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders, fifth edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) or International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) criteria for psychosis.[1]
Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID) PTSD module; the patient does not meet DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[74]
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5): the patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[66]
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview Version for DSM-5 (PSS-I-5): the patient does not meet criteria for diagnosis of PTSD.[68]
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