Which of the following is a core PTSD symptom category?

• A. Reexperiencing
• B. Avoidance
• C. Hyperarousal
• D. Emotional numbing

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that PTSD is organized into symptom clusters, and one of those clusters is arousal/reactivity, which is described as hyperarousal. This category captures the persistent physiological and autonomic readiness after trauma—things like sleep disturbance, being easily startled, hypervigilance, irritability or angry outbursts, and trouble concentrating. These features reflect an ongoing state of heightened arousal that keeps the person on edge and responsive to potential threats.

Reexperiencing describes intrusive memories or flashbacks, which are part of intrusion. Avoidance involves steering clear of reminders of the trauma. Emotional numbing is a mood/cognition feature within the broader negative alterations in cognitions and mood cluster. While those are all real PTSD symptoms, the option highlighting arousal/reactivity points to the core arousal dimension that is characteristic of the disorder’s physiologic state.