Rhode Island Recovery Coach Practice Test

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is categorized as what type of disorder?

1. A mood disorder.

2. A personality disorder.

3. An anxiety disorder.

4. A developmental disorder.

The correct answer is: An anxiety disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is categorized as an anxiety disorder because it primarily involves excessive fear, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors that can result from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD may experience symptoms such as flashbacks, severe anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts about the trauma, and emotional numbness. These symptoms significantly disrupt daily functioning and lead to heightened psychological distress. Anxiety disorders, including PTSD, share common characteristics such as persistent worry, fear, and the body’s heightened response to stressors. The classification of PTSD within this category reflects the central role that anxiety plays in the disorder's symptomatology and its impact on an individual’s mental health. Understanding this classification is crucial for the development of effective treatment approaches, which often include therapy focused on managing anxiety and coping with trauma.