Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

What distinguishes PTSD from acute stress disorder?

1. PTSD symptoms are milder

2. PTSD symptoms last longer and are more persistent

3. PTSD does not include flashbacks

4. PTSD only occurs in children

The correct answer is: PTSD symptoms last longer and are more persistent

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) are both conditions that can arise after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, but they differ primarily in the duration of their symptoms. PTSD is characterized by symptoms that persist for more than a month and can last for months or even years, impacting a person's ability to function in daily life. In contrast, ASD symptoms typically occur within three days to four weeks after the trauma and may resolve as time passes. The distinction in duration highlights why the choice regarding the persistence and longevity of PTSD symptoms accurately differentiates it from acute stress disorder. PTSD's enduring symptoms can encompass a range of experiences, including flashbacks, nightmares, hyper-arousal, and avoidance behaviors, which may not be present in the acute phase observed in ASD. Other options presented do not convey accurate differences between the two disorders. For example, PTSD symptoms are not inherently milder than those of ASD; rather, they can be equally severe or more profound due to their chronic nature. Furthermore, PTSD does include flashbacks and is not limited to children; it can affect individuals of any age.