Identify the third major PTSD symptom category.

Identify the third major PTSD symptom category.

• A. Reexperiencing
• B. Avoidance
• C. Hyperarousal
• D. Numbing

Answer: (C)

PTSD symptoms group into distinct clusters that reflect different ways the trauma affects functioning. After reexperiencing intrusive memories or nightmares and avoiding reminders of the trauma, the next major category is hyperarousal. This includes being easily startled, irritability or angry outbursts, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. These signs keep the nervous system on high alert and can disrupt daily life, work, and relationships. Numbing relates to emotional and cognitive mood changes and, in the common three-cluster view, isn’t treated as its own separate category, though it’s connected to the broader mood alterations linked with PTSD. So the third major category is hyperarousal.

PTSD symptoms group into distinct clusters that reflect different ways the trauma affects functioning. After reexperiencing intrusive memories or nightmares and avoiding reminders of the trauma, the next major category is hyperarousal. This includes being easily startled, irritability or angry outbursts, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. These signs keep the nervous system on high alert and can disrupt daily life, work, and relationships. Numbing relates to emotional and cognitive mood changes and, in the common three-cluster view, isn’t treated as its own separate category, though it’s connected to the broader mood alterations linked with PTSD. So the third major category is hyperarousal.