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Post-traumatic stress disorder — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnxietyPost-traumatic stress disorderMCCQE Part 1

A 36-year-old paramedic has intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of ambulances 4 months after a fatal paediatric resuscitation. He drinks more alcohol to sleep but has no psychosis. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Post-traumatic stress disorder

Trauma exposure followed by intrusive symptoms, avoidance, negative mood changes, and hyperarousal lasting more than one month is consistent with PTSD. Acute stress disorder is limited to the first month. Adjustment disorder lacks the characteristic intrusion and avoidance cluster after life-threatening trauma. OCD involves obsessions and compulsions not tied to trauma re-experiencing.

Reference: Canadian PTSD guidelines