Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

• A. Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event
• B. Manic episodes characterized by elevated mood and increased energy
• C. Negative alterations in mood and cognition related to the trauma
• D. Avoidance of reminders associated with the trauma

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core symptoms of PTSD, which typically include intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative changes in mood and cognition, and alterations in arousal and reactivity.
2. Step 2: Review each option and compare it to the known symptom clusters of PTSD. For example, recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories align with the intrusion symptom cluster.
3. Step 3: Identify that avoidance of reminders associated with the trauma fits the avoidance symptom cluster, and negative alterations in mood and cognition correspond to the mood/cognition symptom cluster.
4. Step 4: Recognize that manic episodes characterized by elevated mood and increased energy are not part of PTSD symptoms but are instead associated with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the symptom not typical of PTSD is the one describing manic episodes, as it does not fit within the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.