Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A delayed response refers to a reaction or symptom that occurs after a significant period of time following an event or stimulus. In psychology, it is often associated with the development of symptoms related to traumatic experiences.
Related terms
Flashback: A flashback is when someone suddenly and vividly re-experiences parts of a traumatic event as if they were happening again.
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent anxiety and distressing symptoms that develop after exposure to an extremely stressful or traumatic event.
Trauma refers to any deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, leading to emotional and psychological harm.