Which of the following is a physical trauma symptom?

• A. Insomnia and nightmares
• B. Guilt, shame, and self-blame
• C. Anger and irritability
• D. Anxiety and fear

Answer: (A)

Sleep disturbances like insomnia and nightmares are classic physical symptoms of trauma. They reflect how trauma can disrupt the body's regulation of sleep and arousal—trouble falling or staying asleep and distressing dreams tied to the traumatic experience. These are observable bodily responses, or somatic symptoms, rather than ways of thinking or feeling. The other items primarily describe emotional or cognitive reactions: guilt, shame, and self-blame; anger and irritability; anxiety and fear. While those emotions can accompany trauma, they are not physical symptoms in the same way sleep problems are. So insomnia and nightmares best fit the category of physical trauma symptoms.