Which combination best characterizes the long-term phase?

• A. No lasting effects
• B. Acute confusion and hyperactivity
• C. Flashbacks, nightmares, phobias, somatic and GYN symptoms
• D. Only cognitive symptoms

Answer: (C)

In the long-term phase after trauma, distress tends to persist across multiple areas, not just thoughts. The best choice reflects a wide, ongoing impact: re-experiencing symptoms like flashbacks and nightmares, plus avoidance or fear responses such as phobias, and ongoing physical and sexual health concerns (somatic and gynecological symptoms). This captures the enduring, multi-faceted nature of trauma fallout—intrusions, avoidance, and somatic/sexual symptoms that can persist well after the event.

This stands in contrast to thinking there are no lasting effects, or that the acute phase features (like acute confusion and hyperactivity) dominate in the long term, or that symptoms are limited to cognitive aspects only. The long-term picture is broader and more persistent, involving both mind and body.