Question

George was in New York when he saw the Twin Towers being destroyed by the terrorist airplanes. Now he has recurrent dreams, flashbacks, and emotional numbing. These are characteristic of:

• A. Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• B. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• C. Separation Anxiety Disorder
• D. Pre-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

George's experiences, such as recurrent dreams, flashbacks, and emotional numbing, are symptomatic of a psychological condition that frequently develops after exposure to a traumatic event. Let's examine the options: 

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder: This disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, rather than specific traumatic experiences.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Commonly occurs after one experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Hallmarks include intrusive memories (like dreams and flashbacks), avoidance behaviors, altered emotional states, and numbing.
• Separation Anxiety Disorder: Predominantly occurs in childhood, characterized by excessive fear of separation from attachment figures, not related to experiencing trauma.
• Pre-Traumatic Stress Disorder: This term is not a recognized diagnosis in psychology. It appears to suggest stress about a future event, but does not align with recognized symptoms.

Given George's symptoms and the context of the event he witnessed, the most accurate diagnosis is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Answer 2

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

The symptoms that George is exhibiting, such as recurrent dreams (nightmares), flashbacks, and emotional numbing, are classic indicators of PTSD. These symptoms reflect the emotional and psychological impact of trauma, leading to distressing recollections of the event, avoidance of triggers, and heightened arousal, which can significantly affect daily functioning. PTSD can be treated with therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy, and sometimes medication to help manage symptoms