A counseling psychologist is working with a 30-year-old female client who is experiencing the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a house fire several months prior. Which of the client's following diagnostic results could most likely be interpreted as a manifestation of PTSD?
A) The client has decreased levels of cortisol.
B) The client has decreased levels of norepinephrine.
C) The client has decreased levels of angiotensin II.
D) The client has increased levels of growth hormones.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decreased cortisol levels are a marker of PTSD and a differentiation from other subtypes of stress. Low levels of norepinephrine and angiotensin II would not accompany any common variant of stress response, and growth hormones are suppressed in response to stress.

A Counseling Psychologist Is Working with a 30-Year-Old Female Client