Final answer:
The individual's symptoms suggest they may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an anxiety disorder caused by traumatic events. Treatment for PTSD is important, and understanding cognitive models and factors like neuroticism can guide the development of effective therapies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symptoms described -- re-experiencing an event, heightened arousal, avoidance, negative thoughts and mood or feelings -- suggests the individual may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. PTSD is known for symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. It can also lead to cardiovascular problems as individuals with disorders like PTSD tend to have high levels of stress which, according to Martens et al. (2010), could increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
An understanding of PTSD is important for developing treatments. Cognitive models, such as the one discussed by Ehlers & Clark (2000), speculate on how the turbulence of thoughts associated with PTSD can exacerbate the condition. Moreover, people with high levels of neuroticism may be more prone to developing anxiety disorders, including PTSD, and may experience pronounced negative emotions that could compromise their mental health.