In trauma-informed practice, a symptom that involves avoiding reminders of the trauma is called what?

• A. Avoidant
• B. Hyperactive
• C. Aggressive
• D. Hypervigilant

Answer: (A)

Avoidance is a trauma symptom where a person deliberately steers away from anything that reminds them of the traumatic event. In trauma-informed practice, recognizing this pattern helps explain why someone might avoid thoughts, feelings, conversations, places, or people connected to the trauma. This is distinct from hyperarousal symptoms (like hypervigilance or irritability) or behavioral aggression, which are about increased reactivity rather than avoidance. The scenario described—avoiding reminders of the trauma—best fits the avoidance pattern. For example, someone might avoid driving past the site of the incident or refuse to discuss the event.