Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) includes what type of memories?

The correct answer focuses on the hallmark symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), specifically the intrusive memories that characterize the condition. Individuals with PTSD often experience disturbing recollections of the traumatic event they experienced or witnessed. These memories can manifest in various forms, such as flashbacks or intrusive thoughts, which can be distressing and vivid, making the person feel as if they are re-experiencing the trauma.

These intrusive memories are a critical component in diagnosing PTSD, as they contribute significantly to the individual's emotional distress and impairment in functioning. Such symptoms illustrate the enduring impact that trauma can have on an individual's mental health, which is a central theme in the understanding and treatment of this disorder.

The other options do not capture the specific nature of memories associated with PTSD. Vague recollections do not align with the detailed and intrusive nature of trauma memories. Positive memories unrelated to the trauma would not connect to the negative impact of PTSD. Fluctuating emotions about the trauma might occur, but they are not indicative of the specific memory intrusions that characterize the disorder. Thus, the focus on the intrusive memories is what makes this choice the best representation of PTSD symptoms.