Which symptom is more characteristic of the acute phase than the long-term phase?

• A. Nightmares
• B. Phobias
• C. Numbness
• D. Somatic symptoms

Answer: (C)

Emotional numbness is a hallmark of the acute phase because immediately after trauma the mind often blunts intense feelings to survive the overwhelming shock. This dissociative-like reaction—feeling detached or numb—is a common, immediate response as the person tries to steady themselves in the immediate aftermath.

As time passes, the trauma is processed, and other symptoms tend to emerge, signaling longer-term adjustment. Nightmares reflect re-experiencing the event and are more characteristic of the long-term phase. Phobias develop as people begin to avoid reminders of the trauma, again a later pattern. Somatic symptoms, such as headaches or pain related to stress, can appear later as well. So numbness stands out as the acute-phase feature, while the others are more typical of the longer-term response.