(B) Post-traumatic stress disorder# 17 symptoms have been identified that make up PTSD.> These 17 symptoms are divided into three separate clusters.> Three PTSD symptom clusters, and the specific symptoms that make up these clusters, are described below.> Re-Experiencing Symptoms Frequently having upsetting thoughts or memories about a traumatic event. Having recurrent nightmares. Acting or feeling as though the traumatic event were happening again, sometimes called a "flashback."> Having very strong feelings of distress when reminded of the traumatic event. Being physically responsive, such as experiencing a surge in your heart rate or sweating, to reminders of the traumatic event.# Avoidance Symptoms: Making an effort to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations about the traumatic event. Making an ef- fort to avoid places or people that remind you of the traumatic event. Having a difficult time remembering important parts of the traumatic event.> A loss of interest in important, once positive, activities. Feeling distant from others. Experiencing difficulties having positive feelings, such as happiness or love. Feeling as though your life may be cut short.# Hyperarousal Symptoms> Having a difficult time falling or staying asleep.> Feeling more irritable or having outbursts of anger.> Having difficulty concentrating.> Feeling constantly "on guard" or like danger is lurking around every corner.> Being "jumpy" or easily startled. Emotional numbing symptoms are part of the avoidance cluster of PTSD symptoms. Emotional numbing symptoms generally refer to those symptoms that reflect difficulties in experiencing positive emotions.> The specific symptoms that make up the emotional numbing symptoms are: A loss of interest in important, once positive, activities. Feeling distant from others. Experiencing difficulties having positive feelings, such as happiness or love.> PTSD is characterized by recurrent and intrusive recollections of the stressful event either in flash-backs (images, thoughts, or perceptions) and/or in dreams.> There is an associated sense of re-experiencing of the stressful event.> There is marked avoidance of the events or situations that arouse recollections of the stressful event, along with marked symptoms of anxiety and increased arousal.> The other important clinical features of PTSD include partial amnesia for some aspects of the stressful event, feeling of numbness, and anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure).