What disorder is characterized by vivid flashbacks and anxiety after a traumatic event?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is specifically characterized by the experience of vivid flashbacks, anxiety, and distress following exposure to a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD may relive the trauma through intrusive memories or flashbacks, which can feel as if they are experiencing the event all over again. This disorder also encompasses a range of other symptoms, such as negative changes in mood and cognition, heightened arousal, and avoidance of reminders related to the trauma.

This unique symptomatology distinguishes PTSD from other anxiety-related disorders. For instance, panic disorder primarily involves unexpected panic attacks and intense fear, generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry across multiple areas of life, and social anxiety disorder focuses on fear and avoidance of social situations. These other disorders may involve anxiety, but they do not include the specific experiences of flashbacks and trauma re-experiencing seen in PTSD.