What serious condition may develop after experiencing prolonged stress from a traumatic event?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition that can develop following prolonged stress due to a traumatic event. Individuals who experience such trauma often face intense anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional distress that can persist for months or even years after the initial incident. The development of PTSD is linked to the way the brain processes and responds to trauma, affecting mental and emotional wellbeing.

PTSD is distinctly characterized by a pattern of symptoms that include re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative alterations in mood and cognition, and heightened arousal. These symptoms can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. The delay in symptom onset, which may occur long after the trauma, distinguishes PTSD from other stress-related conditions.

Other conditions mentioned in the choices have their own effects but do not encompass the full breadth and long-term impact of PTSD. Anxiety disorders can be a part of PTSD but are broader and include various forms of anxiety unrelated specifically to trauma. Acute Stress Disorder occurs soon after the traumatic event and can resolve over time, while Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest, but is not directly linked to trauma in the same way as PTSD. Thus,