Symptoms of PTSD select the appropriate options.

• A. Sociable, tired, concentrated
• B. Positive, sensitive to others, nightmares
• C. All of the above
• D. Substance abuse, nightmares, quick tempered

Answer: (D)

PTSD involves a mix of re-experiencing symptoms (like distressing dreams and intrusive memories), mood and thinking changes, and hyperarousal. The irritable, quick-tempered reaction you see is a common sign of hyperarousal and irritability that can occur after trauma. Nightmares fit squarely into re-experiencing symptoms. Substance abuse can be a maladaptive coping mechanism people use to numb or manage distress associated with PTSD.

So, the set that includes substance abuse, nightmares, and quick tempered best reflects the symptom pattern of PTSD. The other options mix traits that don’t align with typical PTSD features (for example, sociable or positive mood traits don’t fit the disorder’s usual profile), so they don’t capture the core symptom pattern.