• Derealization: experience of unreality, distance, or distortion (e.g., "things are not real").
Although the client is experiencing symptoms that are identical to those of PTSD (Criteria B, C, and D,) his condition does not meet the requirements specified by DSM 5’s in criterion F: persistence of symptoms for more than one month.
In this case, I would conduct an evaluation for Acute Distress Disorder (ASD). There is strong evidence that the symptoms reported in ASD are common in the aftermath of trauma, including re-experiencing and avoidance. Arousal symptoms are also common, including insomnia, concentration deficits and irritability (Armour, 2013) Furthermore, the symptoms of acute stress disorder must be transitory. DSM specifies that the symptoms must occur within four weeks of a traumatic event and come to an end within that four-week time period. If the symptom persist for more than a month, the patient should be re-evaluated for