Which statement is NOT a core diagnostic criterion for PTSD?

• A. Exposure to a traumatic event is required.
• B. Intrusion symptoms are not required.
• C. Duration must exceed one month.
• D. Clinically significant distress or impairment is required.

Answer: (B)

PTSD diagnosis rests on exposure to a traumatic event plus a set of symptom requirements that unfold over time and cause significant distress or impairment. A key part of these requirements is intrusion symptoms—like distressing memories, nightmares, flashbacks, or intense reactions to reminders. At least one intrusion symptom must be present, along with other symptom clusters (avoidance, negative mood/cognition changes, and hyperarousal), with the overall pattern persisting for more than one month and causing clinically significant distress or impairment. Because intrusion symptoms are indeed required, the statement that they are not required is not correct. The other statements fit the criteria: exposure to the traumatic event is required, the duration must exceed one month, and distress or impairment must be present.