PTSD is defined as which of the following?

• A. Disturbing pattern of behavior demonstrated by someone who has experienced, witnessed, or been confronted with traumatic event
• B. A temporary sadness after losing someone
• C. A fear of crowds
• D. A personality disorder

Answer: (A)

PTSD is a trauma- and stressor-related disorder characterized by persistent distress and impairment after exposure to a traumatic event, with symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood and cognition, and heightened arousal lasting longer than a month. The option describing a disturbing pattern of behavior after someone has experienced, witnessed, or confronted a traumatic event fits this pattern because it captures the core idea of lasting distress following trauma that disrupts functioning. The other statements describe normal bereavement, a phobia not tied to trauma exposure, or a personality disorder, none of which capture the trauma-linked, prolonged impairment central to PTSD.