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DSM-IV
E. Duration of the disturbance (symptoms in Criteria B, C, and D) is more than 1 month. F. The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Specify if: Acute: if duration of symptoms is less than 3 months Chronic: if duration of symptoms is 3 months or more Specify if: With Delayed Onset: if onset of symptoms is at least 6 months after the stressor. |
Glossary
Officer's will frequently hear the phrase, "when did you first notice these symptoms?" Be advised that there is a difference between having the symptoms and recognizing that what's going on is PTSD. Just because symptoms were brought to your attention a few days or weeks ago, DOES NOT mean that duration of the disturbance is less than one month. Occupational impairment is the number one reason, in my experience, that officer's seek help. If on-the-job problems have developed over a protracted period of time, say months, PTSD may be the cause. Delayed Onset is a major problem. Research suggests that those officer's who appear symptom-free immediately after a traumatic event, but who develop symptoms "at least 6 months after the stressor," have a more difficult time dealing with PTSD. Reasons for this vary from one individual to the next, but if PTSD symptoms develop, for no apparent reason, remedial action should be taken immediately. |
Additional commentary
One month time period: Symptoms can develop over a long period of time, often years. Because of the insidious nature of symptomology, officers frequently don't know when symptoms got serious. Occupational impairment is the number one reason officers complain about symptoms--"I'm about to loose my job," is what is heard most often. For 'significant others,' it is social impairment. "What happened to the person I use to know?" or, "this isn't the person I thought I knew." If you've been hearing these things from others, about you, there may be some symptomology at work. Delayed Onset: Many of the issues and symptoms described above can be managed by peer-counselors, or friends and various support systems. This is not the case with delayed onset of symptoms. When symptoms appear, suddenly, after a significant period of asymptomology (no symptoms), it is often an indication of a serious problem. Competent medical help should be sought at once. |
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