Which of the following is a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder?

Substance abuse is recognized as a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because individuals who experience trauma may turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism to deal with overwhelming emotions, anxiety, and memories associated with their trauma. The use of substances can temporarily alleviate distress but often leads to further complications, including addiction and exacerbation of PTSD symptoms.

In contrast, increased physical fitness and improved memory and cognition are generally not associated with PTSD. Rather, those suffering from PTSD may experience the opposite effects, such as decreased cognitive functions and physical inactivity due to symptoms like avoidance behavior or anxiety. Hyperactivity, while it might appear similar to anxious behaviors, does not reflect the typical symptomatology of PTSD, which is more closely linked with avoidance, numbing, and intrusive memories rather than an overall increase in activity levels.