Forensic psychiatric assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder

The assessment of trauma-related disorders is becoming increasingly more important in forensic psychiatric expert opinions. The most important diagnosis in this context is posttraumatic stress disorder. The essential diagnostic criteria of this disorder are outlined. Differential diagnostic considerations are often necessary with respect to less specific symptom complexes, such as the complex posttraumatic stress disorder or diagnoses which as a rule cannot etiologically be causally associated with trauma alone, such as depression or anxiety disorders. Furthermore, the significance of symptom validity tests is critically discussed. Test results have to be considered carefully in the medicolegal context and require a thorough clinical assessment.