Which of the following statements about posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is most accurate regarding victims of serious traffic accidents?

• A. PTSD only occurs in individuals who have a prior history of mental illness.
• B. PTSD is diagnosed immediately after any traumatic event, regardless of symptoms.
• C. Not all victims of serious traffic accidents will develop PTSD; individual responses to trauma vary.
• D. Every victim of a serious traffic accident will inevitably develop PTSD.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) as a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a serious traffic accident.
2. Step 2: Recognize that PTSD diagnosis depends on specific criteria, including the presence of symptoms like intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions, which typically appear after some time following the trauma.
3. Step 3: Note that PTSD does not require a prior history of mental illness; it can develop in anyone exposed to trauma, but not everyone exposed will develop PTSD.
4. Step 4: Understand that PTSD is not diagnosed immediately after the traumatic event; there is usually a period during which symptoms must persist (typically at least one month) before a diagnosis is made.
5. Step 5: Conclude that individual responses to trauma vary widely, so not all victims of serious traffic accidents will develop PTSD, making the statement about variability in individual responses the most accurate.