What distinguishes general stress from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

• A. General stress is a chronic condition with intrusive memories after trauma.
• B. PTSD has no impact on functioning.
• C. General stress is a typical response to a stressor; PTSD is chronic with intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood, and hyperarousal after trauma lasting more than 1 month and impairing function.
• D. PTSD lasts only a few days and does not impair daily life.

Answer: (C)

Normal stress is a typical, short-term response to a stressor that usually resolves with time. PTSD, in contrast, is a chronic condition that follows trauma and involves intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood, and hyperarousal. For PTSD, these symptoms persist for more than one month and cause significant distress or impairment in functioning. This combination of duration, symptom clusters, and functional impact distinguishes PTSD from ordinary stress. The other statements mischaracterize either normal stress or PTSD—general stress doesn’t include persistent intrusive memories or lasting impairment, and PTSD is not limited to a few days and does involve functional impact.