What condition might a person experience if they are numb or have amnesia following a traumatic event?

Acute stress disorder is the correct answer because it specifically refers to a psychological condition that can occur shortly after a traumatic event, typically within three days to four weeks following the incident. Individuals experiencing acute stress disorder may display symptoms such as numbing, amnesia regarding the trauma, intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, and heightened arousal.

This condition is characterized by the immediate psychological impact of the trauma, which can lead to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. The presence of amnesia or numbness indicates that the person is struggling to process the traumatic experience properly, aligning with the symptomatology of acute stress disorder.

Other options such as post-traumatic stress disorder reflect symptoms that emerge later, generally more than a month after the trauma, and they present a broader and more chronic range of symptoms. Generalized anxiety disorder is a more pervasive anxiety condition not specifically tied to a recent traumatic event, and adjustment disorder typically involves difficulty adapting to a stressor, but it does not necessarily include symptoms of numbness or amnesia directly related to trauma.