Which condition involves difficulty connecting with the stressor after a significant delay?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is characterized by the presence of significant psychological distress following exposure to a traumatic event. One of the key features of PTSD is that symptoms may not manifest immediately after the event; there can be a substantial delay before the individual begins to experience the emotional and psychological repercussions. In fact, it is common for someone to feel normal in the immediate aftermath of trauma, only to later struggle with anxiety, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts as they process the experience. This delayed response is crucial in diagnosing PTSD, differentiating it from other types of stress reactions.

Acute Stress Reaction typically occurs immediately after a traumatic event, with symptoms appearing within hours or days rather than after a significant delay. Cumulative Stress Reaction usually refers to the build-up of stress over time due to multiple stressors rather than a single event, and Chronic Stress Reaction denotes prolonged stress response to ongoing or repeated stressors, but neither specifically addresses the delay in connecting with the stressor.