Acute Stress Disorder

Acute Stress Disorder

Acute stress disorder is a psychological disorder occurring shortly after an individual experiences an extremely traumatic event. It usually exists within a 30-day time frame following the event, and generally involves feelings of fear, distress, or helplessness.

What it looks like

People with Acute Stress Disorder have experienced a severely traumatic event that involved actual or threatened death such as a physical attack, wartime combat, a sexual attack, a major car accident, a weather related catastrophe, or another extremely distressing event. They might have personally experienced the event, witnessed it, or learned of a loved one’s involvement in the event.

In the case of first responders, the traumatic incident(s) might occur in the course of a normal work day. Sometimes, people go on to develop symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. If the symptoms continue beyond 30 days of the event, or begin after 30 days, the person may be diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), although sometimes people are diagnosed with PTSD without first having been diagnosed with Acute Stress Disorder. According to the National Center for PTSD, individuals with Acute Stress Disorder have an increased risk of feeling as if they are outside their body or not knowing where they are.

Risk factors for Acute Stress Disorder are having previously experienced a traumatic event or having had PTSD in the past. In addition, having had past mental health challenges also increases the risk for Acute Stress Disorder.

Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder may include the following, although this is not an exhaustive list:

  • Repeated dreams about the trauma
  • Recurrent distressing memories of the trauma
  • A sense of unreality or dissociation
  • Avoiding memories of the traumatic event
  • Insomnia or trouble with sleeping
  • Becoming irritable over minor occurrences; distressing psychological and physiological reactions to reminders of the trauma
  • Negative mood states; loss of pleasure or interest in previously enjoyable pursuits
  • Difficulty concentrating

Acute Stress Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Sometimes people are confused by the difference between Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD. In general, Acute Stress Disorder can be a short-term problem, but, if left untreated, may develop into PTSD, in some cases.

Comparing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Acute Stress Disorder

Acute Stress Disorder is distinguished from PTSD by virtue of the time frame in which they occur. The symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD are the same, with one exception: the symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder occur and resolve within one month of the traumatic event. If the symptoms appear or continue beyond the one month time frame, the diagnosis is revised to PTSD.

Having Acute Stress Disorder is nobody's fault

Some people with Acute Stress Disorder may have blamed themselves for the traumatic incident or for how they handled it. Some people tell themselves that they “should” be able to manage their emotions and emotional symptoms. It is important to understand that people cannot control their emotional reactions to a traumatic event. However, they can accept that they need help and receive treatment for these, often painful, reactions.

Untreated Acute Stress Disorder

When left untreated, Acute Stress Disorder may develop into PTSD, although this does not always happen. It is best to receive treatment for Acute Stress Disorder to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of PTSD in the future.

Outlook

While living with Acute Stress Disorder can present unique obstacles, qualified diagnosis and treatment can reduce symptoms and improve one’s quality of life.

The current thinking on what causes Acute Stress Disorder

Why do some people have Acute Stress Disorder while others who have experienced trauma do not? Some people are more resilient to stress than others, largely because of their genetic makeup. The availability of social support and prompt therapeutic intervention may decrease the likelihood of developing Acute Stress Disorder. On the other hand, those who have experienced multiple childhood losses, such as the death of a parent, frequent moves, or parental divorce, may be at increased risk of Acute Stress Disorder. It should be noted, however, that there are exceptions to these observations and there is no absolute way of predicting who will and who will not go on to develop Acute Stress Disorder after a distressing event.

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