Which disorder is marked by an emotional response to a traumatic event?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by an emotional response to a traumatic event, which can encompass experiences such as severe accidents, natural disasters, combat, or personal assaults. Individuals with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. These symptoms result from the distress associated with reliving or recalling the traumatic experience, leading to significant emotional and psychological stress.

This disorder specifically highlights the impact of trauma on an individual’s mental health, with symptoms often appearing shortly after the event or perhaps even months or years later. Unlike the other disorders listed, which have different underlying causes and symptom patterns, PTSD is uniquely tied to a specific traumatic experience and its emotional aftermath.