Which of the following is one of the eight criteria needed for the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder?

The correct answer is marked alterations in mood and cognition associated with and beginning after the traumatic event. This criterion refers to the significant changes in an individual’s emotional state and thought processes that can occur following trauma. Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience negative alterations in mood, such as persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, or heightened emotional reactivity. Cognitive changes can include distorted thoughts about oneself or others, feelings of detachment, and difficulties in remembering aspects of the traumatic event.

This aspect of PTSD emphasizes how trauma can profoundly impact a person’s mental state, leading to issues such as depression or anxiety, which are critical for diagnosing the disorder. By including mood and cognitive alterations, this criterion helps to cultivate a deeper understanding of the psychological ramifications of trauma, beyond simply the experience of intrusive memories or avoidance behaviors, which are also part of the disorder’s framework.

The other criteria relate to different symptoms and aspects of the disorder, but the alterations in mood and cognition specifically highlight the emotional consequences of trauma, making it a crucial part of the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.