Are Racism and PTSD Linked?

Changes to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) could change how trauma due to racism is diagnosed in minorities. The new guidelines say racism can cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) similar to that of soldiers after war.

Before today’s release of the newest edition of the manual, racism was only recognized as a potential cause of PTSD when it was related to a specific incident, such as assault. But now, more subtle instances of racism will be considered.

“The new criteria do open the door to this by acknowledging that a series of minor slights or series of what might be seen as lesser types of trauma can accumulate and result in trauma,” Dr. Monnica Williams told HuffPost Live host Marc Lamont Hill.