Which symptom is listed under the Nightmares category in combat stress?

Which symptom is listed under the Nightmares category in combat stress?

• A. Heightened alertness
• B. Intrusive images
• C. Withdrawal
• D. Increased alcohol consumption

Answer: (C)

Nightmare-related symptoms revolve around sleep disturbance and the protective responses that follow distressing dreams. Withdrawal fits this category because, after experiencing nightmares, a service member often retreats from social activities, isolates themselves, or avoids situations that might provoke distress or disrupt sleep. This retreat is a common coping pattern linked to nightmares. Heightened alertness is a sign of hyperarousal, not specific to nightmares. Intrusive images describe daytime re-experiencing memories, which is a different symptom cluster. Increased alcohol consumption is a coping behavior more than a sleep-disturbance symptom category.

Nightmare-related symptoms revolve around sleep disturbance and the protective responses that follow distressing dreams. Withdrawal fits this category because, after experiencing nightmares, a service member often retreats from social activities, isolates themselves, or avoids situations that might provoke distress or disrupt sleep. This retreat is a common coping pattern linked to nightmares.

Heightened alertness is a sign of hyperarousal, not specific to nightmares. Intrusive images describe daytime re-experiencing memories, which is a different symptom cluster. Increased alcohol consumption is a coping behavior more than a sleep-disturbance symptom category.