In PTSD, which symptom category includes vivid nightmares and flashbacks?

In PTSD, which symptom category includes vivid nightmares and flashbacks?

• A. Hyperarousal
• B. Intrusion
• C. Avoidance
• D. Negative mood/cognition alterations

Answer: (B)

Vivid nightmares and flashbacks are re-experiencing symptoms, which belong to the intrusion cluster of PTSD. They involve involuntary, distressing reliving of the traumatic event—nightmares are distressing dreams that replay aspects of the trauma, while flashbacks feel like the event is occurring again in the moment. This intrusive reliving is the defining feature of intrusion, setting it apart from hyperarousal (which is about heightened arousal and physiologic reactivity), avoidance (which is about steering clear of reminders), and negative mood/cognition alterations (which involve persistent negative beliefs and emotional states). So, these experiences best illustrate intrusion.

Vivid nightmares and flashbacks are re-experiencing symptoms, which belong to the intrusion cluster of PTSD. They involve involuntary, distressing reliving of the traumatic event—nightmares are distressing dreams that replay aspects of the trauma, while flashbacks feel like the event is occurring again in the moment. This intrusive reliving is the defining feature of intrusion, setting it apart from hyperarousal (which is about heightened arousal and physiologic reactivity), avoidance (which is about steering clear of reminders), and negative mood/cognition alterations (which involve persistent negative beliefs and emotional states). So, these experiences best illustrate intrusion.