What is the common name for the disorder that occurs following a traumatic experience, characterized by flashbacks and avoidance behavior?

The disorder characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, avoidance behavior, and hyperarousal following a traumatic experience is commonly known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can occur after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as military combat, natural disasters, serious accidents, or personal assaults. Individuals with PTSD often relive the traumatic event through intrusive memories or nightmares, leading to emotional distress, and may go to great lengths to avoid situations that remind them of the trauma.

In addition to these core symptoms, PTSD can also result in heightened reactions to stimuli, difficulties with concentration, and significant changes in mood. This set of reactions is distinct from the symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders or conditions like panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder, which have different underlying causes and symptom profiles. These distinctions are crucial in understanding how PTSD uniquely affects those who suffer from it, making the identification and treatment of this disorder particularly important.