While the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may
seem similar to those of other disorders, there are differences.
For example, PTSD symptoms may seem similar to those of anxiety
disorders, such as acute stress disorder or obsessive-compulsive
disorder. However, there are distinct differences between these
disorders. In general, the symptoms of acute stress disorder
must occur within four weeks of a traumatic event and come to an
end within that four-week time period. If symptoms last longer
than one month and follow other patterns common to PTSD, a
person’s diagnosis may change from acute stress disorder to
PTSD. While both PTSD and obsessive-compulsive disorder have
recurrent, intrusive thoughts as a symptom, the types of
thoughts are one way to distinguish these disorders. Thoughts
present in obsessive-compulsive disorder do not usually relate
to a past traumatic event. With PTSD, the thoughts are
invariably connected to a past traumatic event. PTSD symptoms
can also seem similar to adjustment