Is PTSD classified as an anxiety disorder?

In DSM-5, PTSD is classified in its own category called Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders, reflecting its distinct etiology and presentation.

Can someone have both PTSD and generalized anxiety?

Yes. Co-occurrence is common, and screening tools should address trauma history separately to ensure appropriate treatment planning.

General anxiety screeners may indicate distress, but PTSD requires trauma-specific assessment tools like the PCL-5 or CAPS for accurate diagnosis.

Peter Kolomiets

|March 25, 2026|Updated Apr 13, 2026|7 min

Ready to discover your Anxiety Screener?

American Psychiatric Association (2013). Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders in the DSM-5
Foa, E. B. & Kozak, M. J. (1986). PTSD and Anxiety: An Overview of Mechanisms and Evidence
Weathers, F. W., Litz, B. T., Keane, T. M., et al. (2013). The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): Development and Initial Psychometric Evaluation

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Peter Kolomiets

|March 25, 2026|Updated Apr 13, 2026|7 min

Ready to discover your Anxiety Screener?

American Psychiatric Association (2013). Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders in the DSM-5
Foa, E. B. & Kozak, M. J. (1986). PTSD and Anxiety: An Overview of Mechanisms and Evidence
Weathers, F. W., Litz, B. T., Keane, T. M., et al. (2013). The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): Development and Initial Psychometric Evaluation