Which PTSD symptom cluster is correctly described?

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PTSD symptoms tend to appear in recognizable patterns, grouped into clusters such as intrusion (re current distressing memories or dreams), avoidance (efforts to avoid reminders) and emotional numbing, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and changes in arousal. A cluster is a set of symptoms that tend to co-occur, forming a consistent pattern rather than a single isolated symptom.

The option described as avoidance and numbing aligns with one of these well-established clusters, reflecting both avoidance behaviors (avoiding reminders) and emotional numbing (reduced responsiveness or blunted emotions). This combination captures a common, distinct pattern seen in PTSD.

Intrusive memories by themselves would be just one symptom within the intrusion cluster, not a full cluster description. Exclusive mood elevation describes a mood state not characteristic of PTSD. Improved cognitive function is opposite to the negative cognitive/mood changes typically seen in PTSD.