There are several factors that are traditionally considered to bring about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But one potential cause is being considered as changes to the criteria have been proposed--racism.
Changes to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) could change how race-based traumas are diagnosed in minorities.
According to Psychology Today, before the release of the DSM-5 Thursday, racism was only recognized as a potential cause of PTSD when it was linked to a specific incident, such as assault. But these requirements of horror, helplessness and fear have been eliminated, leaving room for more subtle instances of racism.
"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.
"The problem is these things affect our self-esteem, because when we meet a micro-aggression or some sort of slight or assault, we don't know if it's because of our color, because the attacks are not blatant anymore, or if it's because of something about us."
Research indicates that African-Americans who experienced racial discrimination had higher chances of suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. Experts took to HuffPost Live to discuss the new criteria and whether or not racism could cause PTSD.
Watch the full segment on HuffPost Live.
Check out the conversation in the clip above and share your thoughts in the comments section.