The DSM-5 exclusion of media exposure to traumatic events

In this article, we wish to strongly challenge this exclusion, using the events of October 7, 2023, in Israel as a unique case example. The events of that day included the killing of more than a thousand civilians and the abduction of more than 250 civilians and soldiers. During these events, millions worldwide were exposed to horrific, uncensored footage of killings and kidnapping. These were broadcast on social media and other informal media outlets (e.g., Telegram), which during the war have become a major source of information. Due to the lack of formal censorship or regulation, the materials shown were often very graphic. This represents a radical shift from traditional forms of media, to which we believe the DSM-5 referred in the first place. We would like to strongly argue that such coverage has a significant traumatic potential, as we already witness in large parts of Israeli society today. We therefore argue for the removal of the Criterion A4 exclusion from the DSM-5. Implications for clinical work and media policy are also discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)

Censorship · Mass media · Media coverage · Popular media · Social media · Suicide prevention · Witness · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research