In PTSD, which symptoms characterize intrusive memories?

• A. Persistent inability to recall aspects of the trauma.
• B. Excessive avoidance of reminders.
• C. Intrusive memories with distress at cues related to the trauma.
• D. Hyperarousal only.

Answer: (C)

Intrusive memories in PTSD show up as involuntary, distressing recollections or experiences tied to the traumatic event, often taking the form of flashbacks or distressing dreams that are triggered by reminders of the trauma. The crucial point is that these memories intrude despite attempts to push them away and they provoke significant distress or physiological arousal when a person encounters reminders of the trauma. This combination—unwanted, distressing recollections that are provoked by cues related to the trauma—best defines intrusion symptoms in PTSD.

Other patterns don’t fit intrusion because they belong to other symptom clusters or phenomena: an inability to recall aspects of the trauma is dissociative amnesia, not intrusive memories; avoiding reminders is the avoidance cluster, not intrusion; and hyperarousal alone misses the hallmark intrusive experiences that are triggered by trauma cues.