Three years back a woman had exposure to an eahquake and she was successfully saved. After recovery she has nightmares about the episode and she also gets up in the night and feels terrified. The MOST probable diagnosis is :
**Core Concept**
The underlying principle being tested is the psychological impact of a traumatic event, specifically an earthquake, on an individual's mental health. This involves understanding **post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)** and its manifestations. The key concept here is the development of symptoms following a traumatic event.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to PTSD, which is characterized by symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. The woman's experience of nightmares and terror at night suggests a **hypervigilant state**, a hallmark of PTSD. This condition is triggered by a terrifying event, either experiencing it or witnessing it, and the symptoms can last for months or even years after the event.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because, while it may be related to anxiety, it does not specifically address the traumatic nature of the event and the subsequent development of characteristic PTSD symptoms.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as it does not directly relate to the long-term psychological effects of a traumatic event like an earthquake.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because, although it might involve some elements of anxiety or fear, it does not encapsulate the full spectrum of PTSD symptoms.
**Option D:** Given the context, this option might seem plausible but without the specific details of each option, we can infer that options other than the one indicating PTSD are less relevant to the scenario described.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that PTSD can develop after a person experiences a terrifying ordeal or traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early intervention and treatment.
**Correct Answer:** D. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)