What are the four categories of PTSD symptoms?

• A. Intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and hyperarousal
• B. Re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance, cognitive/mood, and hyperarousal
• C. Distressing patient stories as part of job
• D. Reliving trauma, avoidance, cognitive/mood, and hyperarousal

Answer: (B)

The four categories of PTSD symptoms are intrusion (re-experiencing the trauma), avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and arousal/reactivity. Re-experiencing the trauma captures intrusive memories, distressing dreams, and even flashbacks. Avoidance involves steering clear of thoughts, feelings, or reminders of the traumatic event. Negative cognitions and mood cover persistent negative beliefs, distorted blame, a sense of detachment, and diminished interest or inability to experience positive emotions. Arousal/reactivity includes irritability, sleep disturbance, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle.

The best choice lists all four clusters in these terms: re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance, cognitive/mood changes, and hyperarousal. It aligns with how PTSD symptoms are organized in DSM-5. Other options miss one cluster, include irrelevant content, or use a less precise label for re-experiencing, which is why they’re not as complete or accurate.