Page 1 of 96
PTSD Case Study: Trauma, Domestic Violence
& Treatment Plan | 2026 Update with
complete solutions
Question 1
According to the DSM-5-TR (2022, updated 2026), PTSD is
characterized by exposure to actual or threatened death, serious
injury, or sexual violence. This exposure must occur in which
way(s)?
A) Directly experiencing the traumatic event
B) Witnessing the event in person as it occurred to others
C) Learning that the traumatic event occurred to a close family
member or close friend
D) All of the above
✅ Answer: D
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Rationale: Criterion A includes direct exposure, witnessing in
person, indirect exposure through learning of a close associate’s
trauma, and repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details
(e.g., first responders collecting body parts). The 2026 update
reaffirms these four pathways.
Question 2
Which symptom cluster is NOT part of the DSM-5-TR diagnostic
criteria for PTSD?
A) Intrusion symptoms (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares)
B) Avoidance of trauma-related stimuli
C) Negative alterations in cognition and mood
D) Hallucinations unrelated to trauma
✅ Answer: D
,Page 3 of 96
Rationale: The four clusters are: (1) Intrusions, (2) Avoidance, (3)
Negative alterations in cognitions/mood, (4) Alterations in
arousal and reactivity. Hallucinations not related to trauma are
not part of PTSD, though dissociative flashbacks can involve
sensory experiences.
Question 3
A patient reports recurrent, involuntary, and distressing memories
of a car accident. These symptoms belong to which PTSD cluster?
A) Avoidance
B) Intrusion
C) Negative mood
D) Arousal
✅ Answer: B
, Page 4 of 96
Rationale: Intrusion symptoms include distressing memories,
dreams, flashbacks, and intense psychological distress or
physiological reactions to trauma reminders.
Question 4
The PTSD diagnosis requires that symptoms persist for at least:
A) 1 week
B) 1 month
C) 3 months
D) 6 months
✅ Answer: B
Rationale: Criterion E: duration of symptoms (Clusters B, C, D, E)
is more than 1 month. Acute stress disorder is diagnosed if
symptoms last 3 days to 1 month. Symptoms lasting less than 1
month after trauma are not PTSD.
PTSD Case Study: Trauma, Domestic Violence
& Treatment Plan | 2026 Update with
complete solutions
Question 1
According to the DSM-5-TR (2022, updated 2026), PTSD is
characterized by exposure to actual or threatened death, serious
injury, or sexual violence. This exposure must occur in which
way(s)?
A) Directly experiencing the traumatic event
B) Witnessing the event in person as it occurred to others
C) Learning that the traumatic event occurred to a close family
member or close friend
D) All of the above
✅ Answer: D
,Page 2 of 96
Rationale: Criterion A includes direct exposure, witnessing in
person, indirect exposure through learning of a close associate’s
trauma, and repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details
(e.g., first responders collecting body parts). The 2026 update
reaffirms these four pathways.
Question 2
Which symptom cluster is NOT part of the DSM-5-TR diagnostic
criteria for PTSD?
A) Intrusion symptoms (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares)
B) Avoidance of trauma-related stimuli
C) Negative alterations in cognition and mood
D) Hallucinations unrelated to trauma
✅ Answer: D
,Page 3 of 96
Rationale: The four clusters are: (1) Intrusions, (2) Avoidance, (3)
Negative alterations in cognitions/mood, (4) Alterations in
arousal and reactivity. Hallucinations not related to trauma are
not part of PTSD, though dissociative flashbacks can involve
sensory experiences.
Question 3
A patient reports recurrent, involuntary, and distressing memories
of a car accident. These symptoms belong to which PTSD cluster?
A) Avoidance
B) Intrusion
C) Negative mood
D) Arousal
✅ Answer: B
, Page 4 of 96
Rationale: Intrusion symptoms include distressing memories,
dreams, flashbacks, and intense psychological distress or
physiological reactions to trauma reminders.
Question 4
The PTSD diagnosis requires that symptoms persist for at least:
A) 1 week
B) 1 month
C) 3 months
D) 6 months
✅ Answer: B
Rationale: Criterion E: duration of symptoms (Clusters B, C, D, E)
is more than 1 month. Acute stress disorder is diagnosed if
symptoms last 3 days to 1 month. Symptoms lasting less than 1
month after trauma are not PTSD.
