PTSD and Other Traumatic Disability Syndromes: Differential Diagnosis

As noted in Chap. 2, none of the individual signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are specific for that syndrome; it is only the combination of features following a documented traumatic event that defines PTSD as an autonomous diagnosis. However, a variety of syndromes other than, or in addition to, PTSD can arise following a traumatic experience. Also, the presence of other preexisting or coexisting disorders can affect the onset, course, and resolution of PTSD. Finally, other non-PTSD syndromes may be misdiagnosed as PTSD. For example, PTSD has been shown to have a 65–98 % comorbidity rate and can co-occur with any of the following disorders: adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, conduct disorder, dementia, dissociative disorder, dysthymia, eating disorders, major depressive disorder, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, somatization disorder, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injury.