What is an important physical symptom indicating distress following a traumatic event like rape?

Persistent pain is a significant physical symptom that can indicate distress following a traumatic event such as rape. Trauma often manifests not just psychologically, but physically as well. Survivors may experience various forms of pain, which could be a result of both the physical injuries sustained during the assault and the psychological impact of the trauma. This pain can be chronic and can absorb considerable attention and energy, further compounding feelings of distress and helplessness.

Other choices such as heightened appetite, calm demeanor, or increased energy levels do not align with the common physical responses to trauma. Typically, heightened appetite is not a characteristic response to distress following a traumatic event; rather, survivors often experience changes in appetite based on their emotional state. A calm demeanor might suggest an absence of distress, which is contrary to the expected reactions to trauma. Increased energy levels could indicate a fight-or-flight response but are not typically observed in survivors of trauma, who may feel fatigued or overwhelmed. Thus, persistent pain stands out as a legitimate and profound indicator of distress in this context.