Exposure to a specific traumatic event with fear, helplessness, or horror describes the cause of which disorder?

Exposure to a specific traumatic event with fear, helplessness, or horror describes the cause of which disorder?

• A. Acute Stress Disorder
• B. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• C. Adjustment Disorder
• D. Panic Disorder

Answer: (B)

Exposure to a specific traumatic event that elicits intense fear, helplessness, or horror points to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The defining trigger for PTSD is actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, and the emotional response at the time of the event—feeling overwhelmed by fear, helplessness, or horror—helps explain why this trauma leads to lasting changes in thoughts, mood, and arousal. If the distress and associated symptoms persist for more than a month and impair functioning, PTSD is diagnosed. In contrast, Acute Stress Disorder also follows trauma but occurs only within the first month after the event and is more about immediate, short-term symptoms; Adjustment Disorder involves distress in response to a non-traumatic stressor and lacks the specific trauma exposure that characterizes PTSD. Panic Disorder centers on recurrent panic attacks and is not defined by trauma exposure.

Exposure to a specific traumatic event that elicits intense fear, helplessness, or horror points to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The defining trigger for PTSD is actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, and the emotional response at the time of the event—feeling overwhelmed by fear, helplessness, or horror—helps explain why this trauma leads to lasting changes in thoughts, mood, and arousal. If the distress and associated symptoms persist for more than a month and impair functioning, PTSD is diagnosed. In contrast, Acute Stress Disorder also follows trauma but occurs only within the first month after the event and is more about immediate, short-term symptoms; Adjustment Disorder involves distress in response to a non-traumatic stressor and lacks the specific trauma exposure that characterizes PTSD. Panic Disorder centers on recurrent panic attacks and is not defined by trauma exposure.