Bob was struck by lightning one day in the park. Later, while recuperating in the hospital, he was suddenly assaulted by the patient in the next bed (who was having a psychotic reaction to all the drugs he had been given). After these incidents, Bob had trouble sleeping and often had nightmares. He also began avoiding both parks and hospitals and displayed an irrational fear of both places. Based on this information, Bob is likely to be suffering from:
A) learned helplessness.
B) multiple personality disorder.
C) posttraumatic stress disorder.
D) experimental neurosis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bob's symptoms, including trouble sleeping, nightmares, avoidance of places associated with trauma (parks and hospitals), and irrational fear of these places, are indicative of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can occur after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event and involves symptoms such as re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance, and increased arousal.

Bob Was Struck by Lightning One Day in the Park