Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The symptoms described—panic and palpitations—following the experience of witnessing a severe accident are indicative of a possible diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This condition often arises after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, leading to a range of emotional and physical reactions.

In the context of PTSD, individuals may experience symptoms such as heightened anxiety, panic attacks, intrusive memories of the trauma, and physical reactions like increased heart rate and palpitations as part of their response to stress. These reactions are not just temporary; they can significantly impact the person's daily functioning and emotional health.

Other conditions listed, such as health disorders, depression, and schizoid disorder, are less likely to align with the specific symptoms reported. For instance, while panic can occur in anxiety disorders, and certain symptoms may overlap, the specific context of trauma exposure makes PTSD the most fitting diagnosis in this scenario. Schizoid disorder generally pertains more to social withdrawal and emotional detachment rather than acute trauma responses.