How long must PTSD symptoms last to meet diagnostic criteria?

To meet the diagnostic criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), symptoms must persist for at least 1 month. This criterion is essential in distinguishing PTSD from acute stress disorder, which can present with similar symptoms but lasts for a shorter duration (from 3 days to 1 month following exposure to a traumatic event).

The 1-month duration requirement indicates that symptoms are not just a transient reaction to trauma but are significant enough to cause clinically distressing impairment in functioning. This symptom persistence reflects the chronic nature of the disorder, helping clinicians determine the appropriate diagnosis and necessary interventions. Thus, when assessing for PTSD, noting that symptoms have lasted for at least a month is a critical factor for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.