Which disorder is characterized by repeated exposure to overwhelming negative events and includes symptoms like nightmares and flashbacks?

The disorder characterized by repeated exposure to overwhelming negative events, which includes symptoms such as nightmares and flashbacks, is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD typically occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat exposure, natural disasters, accidents, or personal assaults.

Individuals with PTSD may relive the traumatic experiences through intrusive thoughts or memories, experience intense distress when reminded of the trauma, and may avoid situations or people that remind them of the event. These symptoms can result in significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The presence of recurrent nightmares and flashbacks is especially indicative of PTSD and distinguishes it from other anxiety disorders and mood disorders.

Other disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder have different primary symptoms and do not specifically include the hallmark features of re-experiencing traumatic events. Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia involves anxiety about having panic attacks and situations where escape might be difficult, which is distinct from the trauma-related symptoms of PTSD.