The symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be grouped into four main categories:

1. Intrusive Thoughts: Individuals may experience distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks related to the traumatic event. These intrusive thoughts can be overwhelming and lead to emotional distress.
2. Avoidance: People with PTSD may go to great lengths to avoid reminders of the trauma, including places, people, activities, or conversations that could trigger distressing memories or feelings associated with the event.
3. Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition: PTSD can lead to persistent negative emotions, distorted beliefs about oneself or others, feelings of detachment from loved ones, and a diminished interest in activities that were once enjoyable.
4. Arousal and Reactivity: Individuals may exhibit heightened arousal, including difficulty sleeping, irritability, hypervigilance (being overly alert to potential threats), and an exaggerated startle response. These symptoms can contribute to a sense of constant tension.

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