A delayed stress reaction to a traumatic event is known as what?

A delayed stress reaction to a traumatic event is known as what?

• A. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• B. Acute Stress Disorder
• C. General Adaptation Syndrome
• D. Adjustment Disorder

Answer: (A)

Delayed stress reactions after a traumatic event are most consistent with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The hallmark is a pattern of intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thoughts or mood, and heightened arousal that lasts for more than one month after the trauma. Some individuals experience a delayed expression, meaning the full set of symptoms doesn’t appear until months later, even though the event occurred earlier. Acute Stress Disorder is the early, short-lived version that appears within minutes to a month after the trauma and resolves within that window. General Adaptation Syndrome is a broad physiological model of stress response, not a trauma-related diagnosis. Adjustment Disorder involves emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a stressor within a few months, but it doesn’t entail the full PTSD symptom cluster or the prolonged, trauma-related pattern.

Delayed stress reactions after a traumatic event are most consistent with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The hallmark is a pattern of intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thoughts or mood, and heightened arousal that lasts for more than one month after the trauma. Some individuals experience a delayed expression, meaning the full set of symptoms doesn’t appear until months later, even though the event occurred earlier. Acute Stress Disorder is the early, short-lived version that appears within minutes to a month after the trauma and resolves within that window. General Adaptation Syndrome is a broad physiological model of stress response, not a trauma-related diagnosis. Adjustment Disorder involves emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a stressor within a few months, but it doesn’t entail the full PTSD symptom cluster or the prolonged, trauma-related pattern.