Which disorder is characterized by re-experiencing a traumatic event, avoidance, and hyperarousal after exposure to extreme trauma?

• A. Panic Disorder
• B. Autism
• C. PTSD
• D. Bipolar Disorder

Answer: (C)

This pattern describes PTSD, a disorder that follows exposure to extreme trauma and includes three main features: re-experiencing the event, avoidance of reminders, and heightened arousal. Re-experiencing shows up as intrusive memories, distressing dreams, or flashbacks when reminded of the trauma. Avoidance involves steering clear of thoughts, feelings, or situations that remind the person of the event. Hyperarousal refers to sleep problems, irritability or angry outbursts, difficulty concentrating, being easily startled, and a constant sense of vigilance. For a PTSD diagnosis, these symptoms must persist for more than a month and cause clinically significant distress or impairment, and they aren’t caused by substances or another medical condition. Panic Disorder centers on recurrent panic attacks and fear of future attacks, not a trauma-linked re-experiencing pattern. Autism is a developmental condition with social communication challenges and restricted interests, not driven by trauma. Bipolar Disorder involves distinct mood episodes (mania/hypomania and depression) rather than trauma-evoked re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal.