THE CURRENT STATUS OF POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER AS A DIAGNOSTIC CATEGORY - PROBLEMS AND PROPOSALS

This paper examines the taxonomic adequacy of the DSMIII-R category of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After reviewing the functions of classification and the current description of PTSD the following questions are raised: Is PTSD a mental disorder? Is PTSD an anxiety disorder? Do the current diagnostic criteria best characterize the sequelae typically induced by trauma? Is the current category sufficiently homogeneous or should subclassifications be made on the basis of precipitating trauma? Several suggestions for improving the taxonomic adequacy of this category are advanced.