Which of the following statements is true of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

• A. PTSD can develop after exposure to a traumatic event and is characterized by symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in mood, and heightened arousal.
• B. PTSD only occurs in individuals who have a genetic predisposition to anxiety disorders.
• C. PTSD is exclusively diagnosed in children and does not affect adults.
• D. PTSD symptoms typically resolve within a few days without any treatment.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
2. Step 2: Identify the core symptoms of PTSD, which include intrusive memories (such as flashbacks or nightmares), avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative changes in mood and cognition, and heightened arousal or reactivity (such as being easily startled or feeling tense).
3. Step 3: Recognize that PTSD can develop in anyone exposed to trauma, regardless of genetic predisposition, so it is not limited only to individuals with a family history of anxiety disorders.
4. Step 4: Note that PTSD can affect people of all ages, including both children and adults, so it is not exclusive to any age group.
5. Step 5: Understand that PTSD symptoms often persist for longer than a few days and typically require treatment such as therapy or medication to improve; spontaneous resolution without treatment is uncommon.