Re-experiencing
Re-experiencing is one of the core symptom clusters of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It involves repeated and unwanted recollections of a traumatic event as though it is occurring in the present and is often accompanied by intense fear or horror. Re-experiencing may occur through intrusive memories, frightening dreams, or flashbacks (World Health Organization, 2013)
Intrusive memories are part of re-experiencing trauma and may include involuntary emotional recall, distressing remembrances of trauma, nightmares, dissociative reactions (flashbacks), and mental or physical distress when confronted with reminders of the traumatic event (Gillette, 2023).
Flashbacks, consisting of the intrusive re-experiencing of traumatic experiences in the present, have been identified as a distinctive symptom of PTSD. During a flashback, individuals may experience the traumatic event as if it were happening again in the here and now (Brewin, 2015)
World Health Organization. (2013). Assessment and management of conditions specifically related to stress: mhGAP intervention guide module (version 1.0). Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK190415/
Gillette, H. (2023, November 16). What are intrusive memories in PTSD? Healthline. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/intrusive-memories-ptsd
Brewin, C. R. (2015). Re-experiencing traumatic events in PTSD: new avenues in research on intrusive memories and flashbacks. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 6(1), 27180. https://doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v6.27180