Which PTSD symptom cluster directly includes intrusive memories and nightmares?

Which PTSD symptom cluster directly includes intrusive memories and nightmares?

• A. Hyperarousal
• B. Avoidance
• C. Re-experiencing
• D. Negative mood and cognition changes

Answer: (C)

Intrusive memories and nightmares are typical of the re-experiencing cluster in PTSD. This cluster captures how the trauma is relived—through involuntary, distressing recollections and distressing dreams in which the event or its themes are re-experienced. It’s about the sense that the trauma is happening again, even when the person is not actually in danger. This is different from hyperarousal, which centers on heightened alertness and physical reactions (like being easily startled, irritability, sleep disturbances not tied to reliving the event). It’s also different from avoidance, which involves efforts to steer clear of reminders of the trauma, and from negative mood and cognition changes, which involve persistent negative thoughts, distorted beliefs, or a diminished interest in activities. Because intrusive memories and nightmares specifically represent reliving the trauma, they best fit the re-experiencing cluster.

Intrusive memories and nightmares are typical of the re-experiencing cluster in PTSD. This cluster captures how the trauma is relived—through involuntary, distressing recollections and distressing dreams in which the event or its themes are re-experienced. It’s about the sense that the trauma is happening again, even when the person is not actually in danger.

This is different from hyperarousal, which centers on heightened alertness and physical reactions (like being easily startled, irritability, sleep disturbances not tied to reliving the event). It’s also different from avoidance, which involves efforts to steer clear of reminders of the trauma, and from negative mood and cognition changes, which involve persistent negative thoughts, distorted beliefs, or a diminished interest in activities. Because intrusive memories and nightmares specifically represent reliving the trauma, they best fit the re-experiencing cluster.