All of the following are seen in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EXCEPT:
**Core Concept**
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that can develop after a person experiences a traumatic event, leading to symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. The underlying concept being tested here is the characteristic symptoms of PTSD.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
PTSD is characterized by a triad of symptoms: intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal. Intrusion symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and unwanted memories of the traumatic event. Avoidance symptoms involve avoiding thoughts, feelings, or conversations related to the traumatic event. Hyperarousal symptoms include exaggerated startle response, difficulty sleeping, and irritability.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** While hypervigilance is a symptom of PTSD, it is not the only symptom. Hypervigilance is a manifestation of hyperarousal, but it is not the only option listed.
**Option B:** Dissociation is a symptom that can be seen in various psychiatric conditions, including PTSD. However, it is not a characteristic symptom of PTSD. Dissociation involves a disconnection from one's thoughts, feelings, or experiences.
**Option C:** Emotional numbing is a symptom of PTSD that involves a reduced capacity to experience emotions. This can include a reduced interest in activities that were once enjoyed, a feeling of detachment from others, and a reduced ability to experience pleasure.
**Option D:** Depersonalization is a symptom that can be seen in various psychiatric conditions, including PTSD. However, it is not a characteristic symptom of PTSD. Depersonalization involves a feeling of detachment from one's body or self.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key characteristic of PTSD is the presence of intrusive symptoms, such as flashbacks and nightmares. These symptoms can be triggered by stimuli that remind the individual of the traumatic event.
**Correct Answer: C. Emotional numbing is a symptom of PTSD.