Which mental health condition is commonly seen after sexual assault and can impede coping?

• A. PTSD
• B. Generalized anxiety disorder
• C. Depression
• D. Schizophrenia

Answer: (A)

After sexual assault, trauma-related mental health reactions are common, and PTSD is the condition most closely linked to this kind of event. PTSD arises after exposure to a traumatic event and includes symptoms such as re-experiencing the event through intrusive memories or nightmares, avoidance of reminders, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and heightened arousal. These symptoms can persist for months or longer and interfere with daily functioning—work, relationships, sleep, concentration—making it much harder to cope with the aftermath of the assault. While depression or generalized anxiety can occur after trauma, PTSD specifically centers on the traumatic experience and tends to disrupt coping more directly and profoundly. Schizophrenia is not typically the immediate trauma-related response in this context.