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Post-traumatic stress disorder — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModeratePsychiatry (outpatient management)Post-traumatic stress disorderUSMLE Step 3

A 35-year-old paramedic has nightmares, intrusive memories, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle, and avoidance of driving near the site of a fatal crash he attended 4 months ago. Symptoms impair work and relationships. He denies substance use. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: A — Post-traumatic stress disorder

Trauma-related intrusion, avoidance, negative mood/cognition, and hyperarousal lasting more than 1 month indicate PTSD.

Reference: VA/DoD PTSD guideline: https://www.healthquality.va.gov/