skip to main content

Posttraumatic stress disorder — ABFM Board MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardMental healthPosttraumatic stress disorderABFM Board

A 38-year-old veteran has nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance of crowds, and intrusive memories 8 months after an assault. He drinks heavily to sleep. He denies mania and psychosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Trauma-focused psychotherapy and treatment of alcohol misuse

Posttraumatic stress disorder is treated with trauma-focused psychotherapy. Co-occurring alcohol misuse should be addressed; benzodiazepines are not recommended for PTSD due to limited benefit and harm risk.

Reference: VA/DoD PTSD Clinical Practice Guideline