Which of the following is NOT listed as a combat-stress category?

• A. Normal
• B. Traumatic
• C. Nightmares
• D. Dietary

Answer: (D)

Combat stress is categorized by how soldiers typically react to intense experiences: normal stress responses that most people recover from, traumatic reactions to overwhelming events, and nightmares that reflect disturbed memories from combat. Normal reactions are the everyday responses that don’t disrupt functioning long-term. Traumatic reactions involve profound, overwhelming stress that can affect thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Nightmares are sleep disturbances tied to traumatic memories and are a common symptom of combat-related stress. Dietary, however, relates to nutrition and eating habits, not a psychological response to combat exposure, so it isn’t listed as a combat-stress category.