Which of the following is a PTSD criterion?

• A. Symptoms resolve within 3 days
• B. Intrusion symptoms only at night
• C. Duration of symptoms greater than 1 month
• D. Symptoms are only due to medication

Answer: (C)

PTSD diagnosis hinges on how long the symptoms endure after a traumatic event. The defining timing is that symptoms must persist for more than one month. If they resolve sooner, the pattern fits acute stress disorder rather than PTSD. Intrusion symptoms are not limited to the night; they can occur at any time in response to reminders or cues. And PTSD requires the distress to be linked to trauma exposure, not solely caused by a medication or its effects. Because the lasting duration criterion (more than one month) directly matches the PTSD diagnostic requirement, it is the best choice.