An additional symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder that Holden Caulfield exhibits is flashbacks, also commonly referred to as re-experiencing, to traumatic events. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, re-experiencing can take the form of flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories. In flashbacks, the individual feels as if they’re experiencing the event as if it was the first time. In nightmares, the person has dreams with content related to the traumatic event. In intrusive thoughts, an individual may be talking when a memory of the event will surface and distract them. Likewise, Holden clearly experiences flashbacks and intrusive thoughts. Specifically, “Finally, what he… even go to jail,” (Salinger 170).
