What is the term for a delayed stress reaction to a prior incident that may involve unresolved issues?

The term that describes a delayed stress reaction to a previous incident, often involving unresolved issues, is indeed Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This condition typically develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event and can manifest long after the event has occurred. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

PTSD is characterized by the persistence of these symptoms for more than a month, significantly affecting an individual's daily functioning. The focus on unresolved issues indicates that individuals may continue to grapple with the psychological impact of their trauma even after time has passed, which is a hallmark of PTSD.

Other options relate to stress and trauma but do not encapsulate the concept of a delayed reaction as comprehensively as PTSD does. For example, Acute Stress Disorder occurs shortly after the trauma and lasts from three days to one month, whereas Chronic Stress Syndrome is not specifically recognized in the same way. Post-Incident Adjustment Disorder might suggest a reaction to a stressor, but it does not capture the long-term and severe nature of the symptoms typically seen in PTSD.