Which of the following is a feature of PTSD?

• A. Re-experiencing the event in memories or nightmares
• B. Obsessive thoughts about cleanliness
• C. Hallucinations
• D. Mood swings

Answer: (A)

Re-experiencing the trauma through memories or nightmares is a defining feature of PTSD. After exposure to a traumatic event, people may have intrusive, distressing memories or dreams in which the event feels like it is happening again, sometimes with a sense of reliving the moment or reacting with strong fear or distress. This symptom type—intrusive re-experiencing—helps distinguish PTSD from other conditions. Obsessive thoughts about cleanliness point to OCD, which centers on compulsions and obsessions around contamination. Hallucinations are more typical of psychotic disorders or mood disorders with psychosis, not a core PTSD feature. Mood swings can occur in many disorders and are not specific to PTSD. PTSD also involves other symptoms like avoidance, negative mood or cognitions, and heightened arousal, and these must persist for over a month and cause impairment.