Question

Years after he barely survived an attack that killed his wife and two children, Mr. Puskari suffers recurring flashbacks and frequent nightmares of the event. They render him incapable of holding a steady job. Mr. Puskari is MOST clearly showing signs of ______ disorder.

a. Adjustment
b. Acute stress
c. Post-traumatic stress
d. Social anxiety

Answer 1

Mr. Puskari's symptoms of recurring flashbacks, nightmares, and job instability after a personal tragedy indicate he is experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an anxiety disorder resulting from severe psychological trauma.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mr. Puskari is MOST clearly showing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This anxiety disorder typically occurs after experiencing severe psychological trauma, such as the tragic loss of his wife and children in an attack. Symptoms like recurring flashbacks, frequent nightmares, and an inability to hold a steady job due to these experiences are characteristic of PTSD.

Historical examples include many American GIs after the Vietnam War who suffered similar symptoms but were not promptly diagnosed or treated at the time. Treatment for PTSD has evolved, and it now includes therapy and medical intervention, which acknowledges the seriousness of the disorder and the need for professional support.