Which symptoms fall under the cognitive/mood category in PTSD?

• A. Nightmares and intrusive memories
• B. Increase in negative thoughts, including distrust in self and others, feelings of shame, and memory problems
• C. Hyperarousal and startle response
• D. Heightened concentration

Answer: (B)

In PTSD, symptoms are grouped into clusters, and the cognitive/mood cluster covers persistent negative thoughts and emotional states, along with memory problems. This includes beliefs or perceptions that oneself, others, or the world are dangerous or untrustworthy, enduring feelings of shame or guilt, and difficulties with memory related to the traumatic event. The described pattern—an increase in negative thoughts, distrust in self and others, feelings of shame, and memory problems—maps directly onto that cognitive/mood cluster.

Nightmares and intrusive memories come from re-experiencing (intrusion) symptoms. Hyperarousal and startle response belong to the arousal cluster. Heightened concentration isn’t a typical PTSD symptom and, if anything, concentration problems are more common.