What is a significant characteristic of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

A significant characteristic of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is chronic physiological arousal. This refers to the body's heightened state of alertness and reactivity following exposure to a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD often experience symptoms such as increased heart rate, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle responses. These physiological reactions are part of the body's fight-or-flight response, which may persist long after the traumatic experience has ended.

This characteristic can lead to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning, as individuals may find it difficult to relax or concentrate. The ongoing state of arousal is a key component of how PTSD manifests, affecting both mental and physical health. The other options do not accurately describe the symptoms of PTSD. For example, intense joy recollection would not fit the context of trauma-related disorders, complete emotional detachment might relate more closely to other mental health issues, and short-term memory loss does not capture the essence of PTSD's symptoms.