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Glossary of Terms

Posttraumatic stress (PTS)

General public definition

  • Posttraumatic stress (PTS) is currently not listed as a diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR or ICD-11.
  • PTS has been used to refer to stress resulting from exposure to one or more potentially psychologically traumatic events. PTS has also been used to refer to posttraumatic stress disorder and to other mental health conditions that can follow exposure to one or more potentially psychologically traumatic events and interfere with daily functioning in social, work, or family activities.
  • PTS is often used interchangeably with other terms. Using more specific terms is often helpful.

Academic definition

  • Posttraumatic stress (PTS) is currently not listed as a diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR or ICD-11.
  • PTS may refer to posttraumatic stress disorder, but it has also been used to refer to mental health conditions with some features of posttraumatic stress disorder that nevertheless do not meet the diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder. In either case, PTS still interferes with daily functioning in social, work, or family activities.
  • PTS can develop soon after exposure to a single potentially psychologically traumatic event or progressively, over time, with cumulative exposures.
  • PTS does not refer to reactions to stressful events or significant life changes other than potentially psychologically traumatic events, and does not refer to normal reactions to common stressors.
  • PTS is a colloquial term, often used interchangeably with the diagnostic term posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The appropriate use of posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD is more accurate and less confusing.

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