What symptoms would support a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder in a client?

The symptoms supporting a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include flashbacks of the traumatic event. Flashbacks involve reliving the traumatic experience as if it is happening in the present, which can be very distressing for the individual. This symptom is a hallmark feature of PTSD and distinguishes it from other mental health disorders.

In addition to flashbacks, individuals with PTSD may experience a range of other symptoms such as avoidance behaviors, negative changes in mood and cognition, and heightened arousal. While difficulty concentrating, feeling detached from others, and a persistent angry or fearful mood can occur in various mental health conditions, they do not specifically identify the core features indicative of PTSD. The presence of flashbacks, however, is a strong indicator of this disorder and is critical for a comprehensive diagnosis.