Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

What scenario would likely indicate the presence of an acute stress disorder?

1. Experiencing persistent nightmares after trauma

2. Symptoms emerging after one month of trauma exposure

3. Experiencing increased anxiety with lasting physical symptoms

4. Initial acute symptoms that resolve after two weeks

The correct answer is: Experiencing persistent nightmares after trauma

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is characterized by the development of symptoms that occur within three days to one month following exposure to a traumatic event. Among the options provided, experiencing persistent nightmares after trauma is indicative of the distressing reactions often seen in individuals with ASD. Nightmares can be a symptom of re-experiencing the trauma, a core feature of trauma-related disorders. The other options do not align as closely with the criteria for ASD. Symptoms emerging after one month of trauma exposure would be indicative of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as ASD symptoms must occur within that initial month. Experiencing increased anxiety with lasting physical symptoms also suggests a more chronic condition rather than the acute nature of ASD. Finally, initial acute symptoms that resolve after two weeks would typically not qualify as ASD because the symptoms must last longer than that time frame to classify as a disorder. Thus, the presence of persistent nightmares after trauma aligns strongly with the symptom profile of acute stress disorder.