Acute stress disorder is a short-term disorder that develops in response to a traumatic event. It can affect anyone who experiences, witnesses, or is confronted with a traumatic experience, causing severe emotional distress or physical injury. These events may include car accidents, natural disasters, violent personal attacks like robbery or sexual assault, or life-threatening illness.
Acute stress disorder can disrupt a person’s daily functioning and quality of life. However, with the correct understanding of the disorder, it can be treated effectively and improve the person’s chance of full recovery.
Understanding Acute Stress Disorder
Acute stress disorder was first introduced into the DSM-4, the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1994, to recognize the severe psychological distress experienced by individuals immediately following trauma.
When a person experiences a traumatic event, their reaction can lead to heightened feelings of fear, helplessness, or horror. Acute stress disorder symptoms can closely resemble those of other post-traumatic conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may confuse individuals dealing with these responses.
Although symptoms may be similar, a critical difference between the two disorders is the length of time symptoms persist. Acute stress disorder lasts from three days to a maximum of four weeks, while PTSD extends beyond a month after the traumatic event.
Common symptoms of acute stress disorder include re-experiencing the traumatic event in recurring dreams, flashbacks or intrusive thoughts, avoiding reminders of the trauma (such as places, conversations, people, and activities), numbing or detachment, sleep disturbances, and having a sense of a foreshortened future.
Diagnosis of Acute Stress Disorder
To diagnose acute stress disorder, health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5). According to its criteria, a person must have been exposed to a traumatic event and exhibit nine or more specified symptoms from any of the symptom clusters: intrusion, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal.
Also, the symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning and must not be due to the physiological effects of a substance, medical condition or another psychological disorder.
Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder
The treatment plan for acute stress disorder focuses on reducing acute distress and dysfunction and preventing the development of PTSD. Interventions may involve cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), pharmacotherapy, or both.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: This treatment commonly involves psychoeducation, teaching relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, enhanced exposure to reminders of the trauma, and instilling a sense of mastery over the traumatic memories.
Pharmacotherapy: There is limited reliable evidence supporting the use of medication in treating acute stress disorder. However, based on the symptom profile, health professionals may prescribe short-term medications such as sedative-hypnotics for sleep disturbances, SSRIs for depressive symptoms, or antiadrenergics for hyperarousal symptoms.
Prevention of PTSD
One of the crucial goals of addressing acute stress disorder is the prevention of PTSD. Early intervention and treatment for acute stress disorder can reduce the risk of developing PTSD, as studies have found that individuals diagnosed with acute stress disorder have a higher likelihood of developing PTSD.
Conclusion
Acute stress disorder, although distressing and disruptive, is a normal response to a traumatic event. Recognizing the signs of acute stress disorder and seeking early intervention is crucial for recovery. Skilled health professionals can provide effective treatments to reduce symptoms and lower the likelihood of developing further psychological disorders like PTSD.
FAQs
1. What distinguishes acute stress disorder from PTSD?
Both disorders can develop after experiencing a traumatic event. However, the main difference lies in the duration of the symptoms. Acute stress disorder symptoms persist from a few days to a maximum of four weeks. If symptoms last more than a month, the condition is then classified as PTSD.
2. Is acute stress disorder permanent?
No. Acute stress disorder is a temporary condition lasting up to a month after the traumatic event. With the right support and treatment, individuals can recover fully.
3. What are some immediate actions I can take if I believe I’m experiencing acute stress disorder?
If you believe you’re experiencing acute stress disorder, it’s crucial first to ensure you’re safe and then reach out to a mental health professional. Professional help can provide a diagnosis and guide you toward appropriate treatment.
