George was in New York when he saw the Twin Towers being destroyed by the terrorist airplanes. Now he has recurrent dreams, flashbacks, and emotional numbing. These are characteristic of:

The correct option is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Analyzing the Scenario:
George witnessed a highly traumatic, life-threatening event (the destruction of the Twin Towers during the September 11 terrorist attacks). Witnessing or experiencing such catastrophic events is a primary trigger for severe psychological distress.

2. Identifying the Symptoms:
George exhibits three classic psychological symptoms:
- Recurrent dreams (nightmares) and flashbacks: These represent intrusive memories where the individual re-experiences the traumatic event as if it were happening again.
- Emotional numbing: This is a coping mechanism characterized by an inability to feel positive emotions, feeling detached from others, or losing interest in significant activities.
- Anxiety: A persistent state of heightened arousal and stress associated with these traumatic memories.

3. Matching with Diagnostic Criteria:
These symptoms—intrusion (flashbacks/dreams), avoidance/emotional numbing, and hyperarousal following exposure to a traumatic event—directly define the clinical diagnostic criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

4. Why other options are incorrect:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Involves chronic, excessive, and uncontrollable worry about everyday situations, rather than being triggered by a specific catastrophic trauma.
- Separation Anxiety Disorder: Involves excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from home or attachment figures, typical in developmental contexts.
- Pre-Traumatic Stress Disorder: This is not a recognized clinical diagnosis; stress disorders of this nature occur after (post) the trauma has experienced.