The security reality in Israel places the country’s citizens in ongoing situations of tension and danger. The events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on communities near the Gaza border, left a heavy mark on the population. Many reservists who were called up immediately to defend the country, as well as reservists who are still serving today as 2025 begins, went through traumatic experiences that continue to stay with them even after returning home. Sometimes PTSD symptoms appear in hidden ways, without the person realizing they have the disorder. All this and more in the article below:
Raising awareness of PTSD and diagnosing it early are critical to preventing mental health from worsening and to providing tailored treatment that supports coping and recovery.
The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis: The Key to Successful Treatment
Diagnosing PTSD is an essential stage in the coping process. It makes it possible to identify the disorder, distinguish it from other conditions such as depression or anxiety, and tailor personalized treatment to the patient. An accurate diagnosis allows for a focused approach, prevents unsuitable treatment and improves the chances of successful recovery.
What Diagnostic Methods Do Psychiatrists Use?
Psychiatrists and licensed professionals use the following methods to diagnose PTSD:
In-Depth Clinical Interview
The psychiatrist begins with an in-depth conversation with the patient, aimed at understanding their personal and mental health history, their exposure to traumatic events and how those events have affected their life. This conversation includes questions about traumatic experiences, day-to-day coping and changes that have occurred since the event.
Using Structured Questionnaires and Assessment Tools
We at Stella Israel have prepared an SGB treatment suitability questionnaire for you, click to view the initial suitability questionnaire.
Assessing the Impact of Symptoms on Daily Life
The psychiatrist examines how the symptoms affect the patient’s functioning in daily life, at work, in the family and in social relationships.
Ruling Out Other Disorders
It is important to make sure that the PTSD symptoms are not caused by other medical or mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders or substance use. Click for full information about PTSD symptoms.
DSM-5 Criteria for Diagnosing PTSD
A PTSD diagnosis is based on the DSM-5 diagnostic manual and includes defined criteria:
Exposure to a Traumatic Event (Criterion A):
- Directly experiencing a life-threatening event, serious injury or sexual violence.
- Witnessing a traumatic event experienced by another person.
- Learning about a traumatic event experienced by a family member or close friend.
- Repeated exposure to distressing details of the event.
Intrusive Symptoms (Criterion B):
- Recurring memories of the event, nightmares or flashbacks.
- Psychological and physiological distress in response to cues that are reminders of the event.
Avoidance (Criterion C):
- Avoiding thoughts, feelings or triggers related to the trauma.
Changes in Cognition and Mood (Criterion D):
- A sense of emotional detachment, negative beliefs about oneself or the world, guilt or shame.
Changes in Arousal and Reactivity (Criterion E):
- Hypervigilance, angry outbursts, difficulty concentrating or sleep disturbances.
Duration of Symptoms (Criterion F):
- The symptoms last for more than one month.
Impaired Functioning (Criterion G):
- The symptoms cause significant impairment in daily functioning.
Ruling Out Other Causes (Criterion H):
- The symptoms are not caused by the effects of substances or by another medical condition.
Tailoring Personalized Treatment: The Key to Recovery
After an accurate diagnosis, a personalized treatment plan can be put together. Treatment may include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focused on coping with the trauma.
- Innovative treatments such as SGB (Stellate Ganglion Block), which help calm the sympathetic nervous system.
- Medication to reduce acute symptoms and improve quality of life.
Watch a Report on SGB Treatment for PTSD
The devastating events that took place in Israel on October 7, 2023 led to widespread exposure to traumatic situations, especially among reservists and residents of communities near the Gaza border. Raising awareness, getting an early professional diagnosis and tailoring personalized treatment are the keys to healing and rebuilding lives.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed professional to begin your path to recovery.
We at Stella Israel are here for you with any question
