What condition can result from psychological stress caused by exposure to crises or traumatic events?

• A. PTSD
• B. Generalized anxiety disorder
• C. Major depressive disorder
• D. Bipolar disorder

Answer: (A)

Trauma exposure can lead to a trauma- and stressor-related disorder, most emblematic of which is PTSD. This condition is marked by intrusive re-experiencing of the event (like flashbacks or nightmares), avoidance of reminders and emotional numbing, negative changes in thought and mood, and heightened arousal (such as vigilance and sleep problems). These symptoms persist for more than a month and cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. The link to traumatic exposure—direct experience, witnessing harm, learning about violent events, or repeated exposure to details (as with first responders)—is what makes PTSD the most fitting answer here.

Generalized anxiety disorder involves pervasive worry across many domains not tied to a specific trauma; major depressive disorder centers on persistent depressive symptoms, while bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania or hypomania in addition to mood disturbance.