Following trauma exposure, which signs may develop into PTSD symptoms?

• A. Hypervigilance/arousal
• B. Avoidance
• C. Intrusive memories
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

All of these signs can develop into PTSD symptoms because the disorder is characterized by three major clusters: intrusive memories, avoidance, and hyperarousal. After trauma, people may experience intrusive memories or flashbacks that re‑live the event, or persistent distressing thoughts. They may also try to avoid reminders of the trauma, which can include avoiding people, places, or even thoughts and feelings related to the event. At the same time, they often stay in a heightened state of alertness—hypervigilance, easily startled, sleep disturbance, irritability—which is the arousal component. When these patterns persist beyond about a month and cause significant distress or impairment, they meet the criteria for PTSD. It’s also useful to remember that while these signs can occur together and lead to PTSD, not everyone exposed to trauma develops the full syndrome; some symptoms may resolve with time, support, or treatment.