Which one of the following is not a criterion of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

The duration of the disturbance as it pertains to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant criterion, but it is inherently related to the diagnosis. The diagnosis of PTSD is made when symptoms persist for more than one month following a traumatic event. If the symptoms last for a duration of fewer than one month, the condition would be categorized as acute stress disorder instead.

In contrast, the criteria for PTSD include reexperiencing the traumatic event in various forms, such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares. Increased arousal manifests as symptoms like hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, or irritability, while avoidance encompasses efforts to evade reminders or triggers associated with the trauma. Therefore, understanding the timeframe necessary for diagnosing PTSD is crucial, as it differentiates it from acute stress disorder and underscores the chronic nature of the condition when symptoms exceed that duration.