Criterion B (re-experiencing) includes a set of five symptoms that indicate trauma: a persistent re-experiencing of the trauma through flashbacks, night terrors, intrusive thoughts, and/or intense distress, one or more of which must be met to proceed with further assessment. Criterion C (numbing) involves the persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and numbing of general responsiveness. Three or more of Criterion C’s seven symptoms must be endorsed to proceed with assessment. Criterion D (hyperarousal) involves experiencing two or more symptoms out of five of increased arousal, such as difficulty sleeping, irritability or outbursts of anger, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, and an exaggerated startle response. All three criteria must be met, in addition to the duration of symptoms lasting one month or longer, for the subject to qualify for a diagnosis of PTSD.
