Introduction
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a short-term anxiety response that can develop within days to weeks following exposure to a traumatic or highly distressing event, such as a serious accident, natural disaster, assault, or sudden loss. It shares many features with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but is distinguished by its onset and duration, typically beginning within three days and resolving within one month of the trauma.
Causes
ASD is triggered by direct or indirect exposure to a traumatic event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Risk factors that increase susceptibility include a prior history of trauma or mental health conditions, limited social support, high levels of perceived threat during the event, and certain personality traits such as neuroticism or difficulty regulating emotions.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ASD include intrusive memories or flashbacks of the trauma, nightmares, emotional numbness or dissociation, avoidance of reminders of the event, heightened alertness or being easily startled, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms cause significant distress and interfere with daily functioning during the acute period following the trauma.
Diagnosis
A mental health professional diagnoses ASD through a structured clinical interview and review of the patient's history and symptom presentation, using criteria from the DSM-5. The diagnosis requires that symptoms have been present for at least three days but no longer than one month following the traumatic event and are not better explained by substance use or another medical condition.
Treatment
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is the most evidence-based treatment for ASD and can help prevent progression to PTSD. Techniques include psychoeducation about trauma responses, gradual exposure to trauma-related memories, and development of coping skills. In some cases, short-term medication such as antidepressants or sleep aids may be used to manage specific symptoms while therapy is underway.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.