Dale seemed to be okay when he returned from the war in Iraq in June, 2004, despite witnessing his two best friends being killed when their tank exploded.Six months after his return, he began having nightmares and flashbacks about his experiences and became constantly vigilant.He would jump at even the slightest noise.Finally, his wife insisted that Dale see a therapist.The most likely diagnosis is ____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dale's symptoms suggest that he is experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a common reaction to exposure to traumatic events such as combat. Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance of triggers associated with the traumatic event. Noise phobia and panic disorder are not supported by the specific symptoms described, and acute stress disorder is a possible diagnosis, but since the symptoms have persisted for six months, PTSD is the most likely option.

Dale Seemed to Be Okay When He Returned from the War