Which statement correctly describes the relationship between trauma and PTSD?

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between trauma and PTSD?

• A. Trauma always leads to PTSD
• B. PTSD is a behavioral outcome not linked to trauma
• C. Trauma refers to physical or emotional harm; PTSD is a disorder that can follow exposure to trauma
• D. PTSD occurs only in military veterans

Answer: (C)

Trauma is exposure to physical or emotional harm, while PTSD is a diagnosable mental health disorder that can develop after that exposure. This makes the relationship about cause and possible outcome, not a guaranteed result. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD—people may show resilience or recover without meeting the disorder’s criteria. PTSD can arise from many kinds of trauma, not just battlefield experiences, so it’s not limited to military veterans. The statement captures both the nature of trauma and the potential for PTSD to follow, without implying inevitability or restricting who can be affected.

Trauma is exposure to physical or emotional harm, while PTSD is a diagnosable mental health disorder that can develop after that exposure. This makes the relationship about cause and possible outcome, not a guaranteed result. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD—people may show resilience or recover without meeting the disorder’s criteria. PTSD can arise from many kinds of trauma, not just battlefield experiences, so it’s not limited to military veterans. The statement captures both the nature of trauma and the potential for PTSD to follow, without implying inevitability or restricting who can be affected.