What is the term for an actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence according to the DSM-5?

The term that accurately describes an actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence according to the DSM-5 is trauma. Trauma encompasses experiences that overwhelm an individual's ability to cope, often leading to significant psychological distress and impairment. The DSM-5 defines trauma specifically in the context of stressor-related disorders, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), highlighting its profound impact on mental health.

The other terms—stress, anxiety, and fear—while related to traumatic experiences, do not encompass the full scope of the definition. Stress refers to the body's response to any demand or challenge, which can arise from various sources, not exclusively trauma. Anxiety is a psychological response characterized by excessive worry, which can follow trauma but is not synonymous with the trauma itself. Fear is an emotional response to an immediate threat, but it does not capture the lasting impact of an experience classified as trauma according to the DSM-5. This distinction is crucial for understanding how mental health practitioners conceptualize and address the effects of traumatic experiences on individuals.