Question

Which of the following factors play a role in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
Correct Answer(s)
The memory of a traumatic event for people with PTSD is “overconsolidated,” so the person is always on the alert to experience a similar situation.
Press Space to open
Those with PTSD often have chronic tension, anxiety, and health problems.
Press Space to open
People with PTSD block or ignore stimuli that remind them of traumatic events. When people with PTSD use a lot of effort, they are able to forget the traumatic event.
Press Space to open
People with certain genetic markers linked to serotonin may be more likely to develop PTSD.
Press Space to open
Incorrect Answer(s)

Answer 1

Correct:
- The memory of a traumatic event for people with PTSD is “overconsolidated,” so the person is always on the alert to experience a similar situation. (True — persistent, strongly encoded traumatic memories and hyperarousal are central features.)
- Those with PTSD often have chronic tension, anxiety, and health problems. (True — PTSD is associated with chronic physiological arousal, anxiety, and somatic/health issues.)
- People with certain genetic markers linked to serotonin may be more likely to develop PTSD. (True — genetic variants (e.g., 5-HTTLPR and others) can increase vulnerability.)

Incorrect:
- People with PTSD block or ignore stimuli that remind them of traumatic events. When people with PTSD use a lot of effort, they are able to forget the traumatic event. (False — while avoidance of reminders is common, deliberate effort does not typically erase the traumatic memory and suppression can paradoxically maintain or worsen symptoms.)