Question

Which symptom distinguishes post-traumatic stress disorder from other anxiety disorders? A. Lack of interest in social relationships B. Avoidance of stressful situations C. Depression and sleep disturbances D. Reliving the event in dreams and flashbacks

Short answer

Answer: Reliving the event in dreams and flashbacks.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze option A

Option A suggests that a lack of interest in social relationships is the distinguishing symptom of PTSD. However, this symptom can be found in other disorders as well, such as depression and social anxiety disorder. Therefore, this option is not unique to PTSD.

Analyze option B

Option B states that the avoidance of stressful situations is the distinguishing symptom of PTSD. While this symptom is indeed related to PTSD, it is also common across other anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. As such, this option does not specifically indicate PTSD.

Analyze option C

Option C proposes depression and sleep disturbances as the distinguishing symptom of PTSD. While these symptoms may be present in PTSD, they are not unique to it. Both depression and sleep disturbances can occur in other disorders, such as major depressive disorder and insomnia. Therefore, this option does not accurately distinguish PTSD from other anxiety disorders.

Analyze option D

Option D suggests that the distinguishing symptom of PTSD is reliving the event in dreams and flashbacks. This symptom is indeed unique to PTSD, as it is specifically related to the traumatic event that caused the disorder. Other anxiety disorders do not typically involve the individual experiencing vivid and intrusive memories of a traumatic event.

Select the correct answer

Based on the analysis of each option, we can conclude that option D (reliving the event in dreams and flashbacks) is the symptom that distinguishes post-traumatic stress disorder from other anxiety disorders.