Which of the following is a key symptom of PTSD?

Re-experiencing trauma is a hallmark symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This symptom typically manifests as intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares where individuals relive the traumatic experience, causing significant distress. This powerful recall of the traumatic event can occur spontaneously or be triggered by reminders, and it is a central feature distinguishing PTSD from other anxiety disorders.

In contrast, symptoms such as loss of appetite are more general and can be seen in a variety of mental health conditions, making them less specific to PTSD. Excessive happiness does not align with the symptomatology of PTSD, as individuals with this disorder typically experience heightened negative emotions rather than positive ones. Compulsive lying is also not a recognized symptom of PTSD; instead, it may emerge in other contexts or disorders but is not part of the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Understanding these distinctions emphasizes the importance of recognizing re-experiencing trauma as a defining characteristic of PTSD.