PTSDTS

PTSDTS is an acronym that has appeared in some clinical discussions and non-academic writing to denote a proposed construct that extends or complements the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is not an officially recognized medical entity, and there is no consensus on its definition, scope, or diagnostic criteria.

Origins and usage of PTSDTS vary. The term has circulated in veteran health communities, some psychotherapy literature, and online forums, where it is sometimes described as a way to capture broader or more persistent trauma-related stress reactions than those covered by PTSD alone. Because it is not standardized, the exact meaning of PTSDTS can differ between sources.

Clinical features and scope often described in discussions of PTSDTS include the core symptoms associated with PTSD—re-experiencing, avoidance, negative alterations in mood and cognition, and hyperarousal—along with additional or prolonged stress responses. These may include chronic anxiety, sleep disturbances, somatic complaints, emotional dysregulation, and functional impairment extending beyond the classic PTSD profile. It is important to note that these descriptions are not based on formal diagnostic criteria.

Diagnosis and treatment status: PTSDTS is not recognized by major diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5 or ICD-11, and there are no standardized criteria or validated tools for its assessment. When symptoms resemble PTSD, clinicians generally follow established PTSD guidelines, including trauma-focused psychotherapies and, when appropriate, pharmacotherapy, rather than applying a separate PTSDTS framework.

See also: Post-traumatic stress disorder; Complex PTSD; Trauma-related disorders.