How long must PTSD symptoms be present to make a diagnosis?

For a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), symptoms must be present for at least one month following exposure to a traumatic event. This aligns with the criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), which specifies that in order for the diagnosis to be made, the individual must experience intrusive symptoms, avoidance of reminders, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and marked alterations in arousal and reactivity that persist beyond this one-month timeframe. If symptoms are present for less than one month, the diagnosis may be classified as Acute Stress Disorder instead. Understanding the timing is crucial, as it helps to differentiate between the two diagnoses and informs the treatment approach.