PTSD Seemingly Irrelevant Decisions Associated With PTSD By Matthew Tull, PhD twitter Matthew Tull, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn about our editorial process Matthew Tull, PhD Updated on January 24, 2020 Print Noel Hendrickson / DigitalVision / Getty Images A seemingly irrelevant decision is a decision or choice a person makes that may appear unimportant or insignificant on the surface but that actually increases the likelihood that he or she will be placed in a high-risk situation that can cause a relapse. A person may ignore, deny or explain away the importance of these decisions/choices. The identification of seemingly irrelevant decisions is an important part of the relapse prevention-focused treatment for people with addictive behaviors devised by Drs. Marlatt and Gordon. Seemingly Irrelevant Decisions and PTSD Seemingly irrelevant decisions are often associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that's is set in motion by a traumatic event. The person either experiences the event or witnesses it. Many people who go through traumatic events may have trouble coping for some time but they don't have PTSD. With time and treatment, they usually improve. But if the symptoms get worse or last for months or years and disrupt day-to-day activities, you may have PTSD. Symptoms According to the Mayo Clinic, PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, or changes in emotional reactions. Intrusive Memories Symptoms of intrusive memories may include: Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic eventReliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)Upsetting dreams about the traumatic eventSevere emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the event Avoidance Symptoms of avoidance may include: Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic eventAvoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include: Negative feelings about yourself or other peopleInability to experience positive emotionsFeeling emotionally numbLack of interest in activities you once enjoyedHopelessness about the futureMemory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic eventDifficulty maintaining close relationships Changes in Emotional Reactions Symptoms of changes in emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) may include: Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behaviorAlways being on guard for dangerOverwhelming guilt or shameSelf-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fastTrouble concentratingTrouble sleepingBeing easily startled or frightened Examples An alcoholic in early recovery may make the seemingly irrelevant decision to go to parties where alcohol is being served or allow himself to become overly stressed out by not practicing self-care or using healthy coping strategies. In actuality, however, such decisions would harm his recovery efforts. Increasing awareness of seemingly irrelevant decisions can reduce your risk of alcohol abuse. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Mayo Clinic. Posttraumatic stress disorder.