Which symptom cluster in PTSD involves avoidance of distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings?

Which symptom cluster in PTSD involves avoidance of distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings?

• A. Re-experiencing the event
• B. Avoidance of distressing memories or thoughts
• C. Hypervigilance
• D. Negative mood and cognition changes

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is that PTSD presents in distinct symptom clusters, and one of these centers on avoidance. After trauma, many people try to dodge the distress by avoiding troubling memories, thoughts, or feelings associated with the event. They may also steer clear of people, places, or activities that remind them of what happened. This avoidance is an attempt to reduce immediate pain, but it keeps the person from processing the trauma and can hinder recovery. It’s different from re-experiencing, which involves intrusive memories or nightmares; hypervigilance, which is heightened alertness and exaggerated startle; and negative mood or cognition changes, which involve persistent negative beliefs or emotional numbness. So the cluster that specifically involves avoiding distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings is the avoidance cluster.

The main concept here is that PTSD presents in distinct symptom clusters, and one of these centers on avoidance. After trauma, many people try to dodge the distress by avoiding troubling memories, thoughts, or feelings associated with the event. They may also steer clear of people, places, or activities that remind them of what happened. This avoidance is an attempt to reduce immediate pain, but it keeps the person from processing the trauma and can hinder recovery. It’s different from re-experiencing, which involves intrusive memories or nightmares; hypervigilance, which is heightened alertness and exaggerated startle; and negative mood or cognition changes, which involve persistent negative beliefs or emotional numbness. So the cluster that specifically involves avoiding distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings is the avoidance cluster.