What symptoms does Abby display after watching a documentary on the Vietnam War?

Abby displays symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after watching a documentary on the Vietnam War. This condition can manifest in various ways following exposure to trauma, including feelings of intense distress when reminded of the traumatic event and experiencing flashbacks or nightmares.

Individuals with PTSD may exhibit hyperarousal, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and emotional numbing, all of which could be triggered by watching a documentary that revisits the traumatic experiences of war. The nature of this media can trigger memories and evoke strong emotional responses related to the trauma, making it possible for someone to reflect the symptoms associated with PTSD without having experienced the trauma directly themselves but rather through vicarious experiences.

In contrast, dissociative disorders, while they can also be a result of trauma, are characterized by a disconnection and lack of continuity between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions, and identity, which is not directly indicated in Abby's reaction to the documentary. Understanding the symptoms of PTSD provides insight into the psychological impacts that exposure to such content can have, especially regarding war-related trauma.