Which of the following is NOT listed as a traumatic event example for PTSD?

• A. Combat
• B. Rape
• C. Automobile accident
• D. Assault

Answer: (C)

Trauma exposure for PTSD centers on actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. In many teaching lists, the events highlighted as clear examples of qualifying trauma are interpersonal violence and combat, such as combat experiences, rape, and assault. An automobile accident, while it can be a profoundly traumatic event and can lead to PTSD, is not typically singled out as a standard example in those lists. Therefore, it’s the option that is not listed as a traumatic event example in this context. Of course, if someone experiences a car crash and then meets the other PTSD criteria (symptoms across intrusion, avoidance, negative mood/cognition, and arousal), they can still have PTSD; the distinction here is about which events are commonly cited as illustrative examples.