How Is PTSD Diagnosed?

September 26, 2025

It can feel devastating to realize that you might be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. But how do you really know? How is the condition diagnosed, and what can you do about it once you find out you have it? 

At Mind and Body Medicine, LLC, we know finding out what’s wrong can seem insurmountable. But it’s really only the beginning of the recovery process. Tamara McDonald, DNP, wants to help you diagnose the issue, start a treatment program, and begin the healing process, all of which may sound intimidating but can truly change your life for the better. 

PTSD 101: Defining the condition 

First, it’s important to understand what PTSD is. For example, many people have preconceived notions about PTSD, such as that it only happens to soldiers who have seen combat or that it only occurs after one extremely traumatic experience. Neither of these conditions is true. 

PTSD can occur as a result of a one-time traumatic event, but it can also develop after many traumatic events over time. This is called complex PTSD. The condition can also occur because of any experience of trauma. Assault and abuse are common causes, but so are natural disasters, loss of a loved one, illness, or dealing with others’ trauma in a recurring manner. 

The condition causes several symptoms you should be wary of, especially if you or someone you love has an increased risk of developing PTSD because of your job, sex, or history of mental health or substance abuse. The main symptoms of the condition are:

  • Avoidance 
  • Intrusive flashbacks to the event(s) 
  • Difficulty sleeping 
  • Mood disturbances  Exhibiting the physical and mental symptoms of extreme anxiety when confronted with memories or reminders of the event(s)
  • Suicidal ideation 

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, but if you notice any of these cropping up around three months after a traumatic experience or experiences, you might be struggling with PTSD. 

How providers diagnose PTSD

When you visit your provider for help, the first thing we must do is diagnose the problem. We use a variety of tools during a PTSD screen to determine if your situation should be analyzed further for this condition. First, you’re asked a short set of questions that are used to determine if your symptoms mirror those of PTSD. Then, we’ll discuss the matter further.

It’s also important that your physical well-being is taken into account as well. In some cases, specific symptoms can be a sign of another underlying illness. We make sure to rule these out in addition to the questionnaire and one-on-one discussions. 

A PTSD screening isn’t a perfect tool, but it can help you and your provider narrow down the likelihood that you may be dealing with this condition. Afterward, your provider will discuss the situation with you, including how severe they think your PTSD may be and what you will be able to do going forward. 

What happens next 

Diagnosing a condition like PTSD certainly isn’t the end. In fact, it provides us with the knowledge of what you’re dealing with so that you can begin a healing journey. For many patients, it can seem scary to admit they’re dealing with this condition, but over time, it can be comforting to know that their symptoms have a cause. 

PTSD can be treated in a host of ways, many of which can be used together to provide you with a well-rounded treatment regimen. For some patients, behavioral therapy and trauma-focused motivational interviewing can be fantastic tools on their own. Others may need medications to manage symptoms in addition to therapeutic intervention. 

Whatever the case, it may seem daunting now to imagine a diagnosis of PTSD, but providers like Dr. McDonald are trained to spot the symptoms, provide a safe space for opening up, and help you both put a name to the condition and begin to heal. 

Do you want to be assessed for PTSD? 

If you believe you might be suffering from PTSD, there’s no reason to wait. We’ll happily discuss the assessment tools we use with you and any treatment methods we think could be helpful for you. 

To make an appointment at our Boise, ID, office, call us at 208-591-6410. You can also visit us online. We’re here to help you feel like yourself again.

What is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)? (Breaking the taboo on painful sex and urinary symptoms).

February 6, 2026
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a clinically recognized condition that encompasses a range of physical changes affecting the vaginal, vulvar, and urinary systems.

Menopausal Insomnia: Why You Can't Sleep and How Integrative Psychiatry Can Help

February 6, 2026
Menopausal insomnia is a distinct and common experience affecting perimenopausal and postmenopausal women at rates two to three times higher than non-menopausal women.

Why Your Perimenopause Care Needs an Integrative Lens

January 1, 2026
Understanding Perimenopause: More Than Just Hot Flashes

Brain Fog and Fatigue: Cognitive Wellness Strategies for the Menopausal Years

January 1, 2026
Cognitive Changes During Menopause: A Common Experience

Understanding Women’s Mental Health

December 1, 2025
Mood disorders are common among women, yet they are frequently underrecognized or misunderstood.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Recognizing Cyclical Changes in Mood and Cognition

December 1, 2025
For some individuals, the changes in mood, energy, and cognition that occur before menstruation can interfere significantly with daily life.

The Reality Of The Mental Load For Women During The Holiday Season

November 13, 2025
Do you tend to feel more stressed out, depressed, or otherwise like you’re struggling to get by during the holidays? It isn’t just you. Women deal with an increase in mental and emotional difficulties during the latter half of the year, and much of the time, this is directly associated with the holiday season. At Mind and Body Medicine, LLC , we will not only offer you help in learning about, and potentially addressing, any mental health conditions that may be present, but also in recognizing and managing generalized holiday stress. Tamara McDonald, DNP, is ready to provide you with the support you need so you can enjoy the holidays this year — perhaps like never before.

Struggling with Infertility Grief? You’re Not Alone

September 26, 2025
If you’ve dreamed your whole life of carrying a child, it’s devastating to be told that you may not or will not be able to experience it. Fertility grief is a real and painful part of reproductive mental health, and many people don’t realize how isolating it can feel until it happens to them. At Mind and Body Medicine, LLC, we want you to know you are not alone. Tamara McDonald, DNP, is always here to provide you with the kind of care that will allow you to navigate infertility grief and see the light on the other side, whatever that may look like.

Why You May Want to Consider Integrative Psychiatry

September 26, 2025
Traditional therapy is an extremely helpful tool for mental health and well-being, whether you’ve been diagnosed with a specific disorder or not. In recent years, the number of those seeking therapy has increased, and many people experience myriad benefits from this type of care. But what if traditional therapy just doesn’t sound like enough? Or what if you feel like the process doesn’t allow for the kind of versatile and personalized care you need? If this is the case for you, it’s time to consider a modality called integrative psychiatry. Mind and Body Medicine, LLC, offers a number of mental wellness programs tailored to your specific needs. Tamara McDonald, DNP, uses her mental health training to offer a program for your unique situation. If regular therapy has always seemed like less than what you need, consider this option today.

How to Support a Loved One Through Depression

September 26, 2025
Depression is a harmful, insidious mental disorder that can make it hard to experience joy, satisfaction, or any emotion at all. And unfortunately, it doesn’t just touch the people it affects directly. It can be very difficult to see a loved one struggle with depression, and sometimes, just knowing how to show someone you support them can feel impossibly far away. But there are ways to support someone as they cope with depression. And you can make a difference, even just by being there for your loved one. At Mind and Body Medicine, LLC, we offer mental health treatment for a number of disorders, including depression. Tamara McDonald, DNP, provides caring, holistic therapy that puts you at the center of your own wellness program whether you have depression, another mental disorder, or simply want to help support a loved one.