A lady while driving a car meet with an accident. She was admitted in an ICU for 6 months. After being discharged, she often gets up in night and feels terrified and has fear to sit in car again. The diagnosis is:
**Core Concept**
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychological condition that develops in response to a traumatic event, such as a car accident. It is characterized by symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The patient's symptoms, including nocturnal terror and avoidance of driving, are classic manifestations of PTSD. This condition arises due to the prolonged exposure to stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline during the traumatic event. The hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in memory formation, is often affected, leading to the development of intrusive memories and flashbacks.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a temporary condition that develops within a month of a traumatic event. It does not typically involve long-term avoidance behaviors.
* **Option B:** Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about everyday things, but it is not directly linked to a specific traumatic event.
* **Option C:** Panic disorder involves recurrent panic attacks, which are intense episodes of fear or discomfort. While it can be triggered by a traumatic event, the patient's symptoms are more consistent with PTSD.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
PTSD can be diagnosed using the DSM-5 criteria, which include symptoms like intrusion, avoidance, and negative alterations in cognitions and mood.
**Correct Answer:** C.