Josh meets the criteria for a diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since Josh actually witnessed the death of his fiancé, he meets Criterion A in the DSM for PTSD of directly experiencing the traumatic event (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In accordance with Criterion B for PTSD (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), he frequently has flashbacks related to the event in which he feels as though he is reliving the trauma of that day. Josh’s recurrent nightmares related to his fiancé’s death and the and the psychological distress that he experiences when he is in close proximity to the area the event occurred in, also fulfill Criterion B for this diagnosis (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). He reports that it was “unbearable” when he attempted to return to work in the area due to the visual reminder of the event.
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He also presents as “jumpy” and irritable in accordance with Criterion E for PTSD (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). All of Josh’s symptoms have been presenting for three months, which is longer than the one-month minimum required for diagnosis, and have caused Josh significant impairment in both Josh’s social and professional life; he has had to quit his job due to it being located near the café where his fiancé was killed and is described by family and friends as being emotionally
He also presents as “jumpy” and irritable in accordance with Criterion E for PTSD (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). All of Josh’s symptoms have been presenting for three months, which is longer than the one-month minimum required for diagnosis, and have caused Josh significant impairment in both Josh’s social and professional life; he has had to quit his job due to it being located near the café where his fiancé was killed and is described by family and friends as being emotionally