Which combination of symptoms is described as part of PTSD?

Which combination of symptoms is described as part of PTSD?

• A. Irritable or aggressive behavior, concentration problems, sleep disturbances
• B. Frequent headaches, dizziness, nausea
• C. Visual and auditory hallucinations
• D. Improved memory and cognitive speed

Answer: (A)

PTSD features a set of symptoms that cluster around hyperarousal, avoidance, negative mood/cognition, and intrusion after a traumatic event. The described pattern—irritable or aggressive behavior, concentration problems, and sleep disturbances—fits the arousal and cognitive difficulty aspects. Irritability and aggression reflect heightened arousal, while sleep problems and trouble concentrating are common cognitive and sleep-related effects seen after trauma. When these symptoms persist and cause distress or impairment, they align with PTSD patterns. Headache, dizziness, and nausea are nonspecific physical complaints that can occur in many conditions and don’t by themselves define PTSD. Visual and auditory hallucinations point more toward psychotic disorders or severe mood disorders rather than PTSD. Improved memory and faster thinking would not typically characterize PTSD; in fact, PTSD often involves concentration and memory difficulties.

PTSD features a set of symptoms that cluster around hyperarousal, avoidance, negative mood/cognition, and intrusion after a traumatic event. The described pattern—irritable or aggressive behavior, concentration problems, and sleep disturbances—fits the arousal and cognitive difficulty aspects. Irritability and aggression reflect heightened arousal, while sleep problems and trouble concentrating are common cognitive and sleep-related effects seen after trauma. When these symptoms persist and cause distress or impairment, they align with PTSD patterns.

Headache, dizziness, and nausea are nonspecific physical complaints that can occur in many conditions and don’t by themselves define PTSD. Visual and auditory hallucinations point more toward psychotic disorders or severe mood disorders rather than PTSD. Improved memory and faster thinking would not typically characterize PTSD; in fact, PTSD often involves concentration and memory difficulties.