In the process of diagnosing PTSD, your doctor will undertake several key steps. Firstly, a thorough physical examination will be performed to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms. Following this, a comprehensive psychological evaluation will take place, involving a discussion of your signs and symptoms, as well as an exploration of the events that led to their onset. During the assessment, the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) will be utilized. These criteria help to establish a standardized and reliable diagnosis of PTSD. For a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD, exposure to an event involving the actual or potential threat of death, violence, or serious injury is a necessary prerequisite. Moreover, the symptoms you experience after this traumatic exposure should persist for more than a month and significantly impair your ability to function in social and work settings. Additionally, your relationships may also be adversely affected by these symptoms. The diagnostic process aims to identify and understand the impact of trauma on your mental health, ensuring that appropriate interventions and support can be provided to help you manage and cope with PTSD effectively. If you believe you have post-traumatic stress disorder or are having problems dealing with a terrible incident, visit Ample Grace Psychiatry. Our team of professionals can assist you in coping with the trauma and leading a happy life. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1710 Douglas Dr N STE #204, Golden Valley, MN 55422. We serve patients from Golden Valley MN, Minneapolis MN, Brooklyn Park MN, Plymouth MN, Saint Louis Park MN, Hopkins, MN, and surrounding areas.