Acute Stress Disorder

Finding The Right Treatment

Treatment

Treatment for Acute Stress Disorder includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, or Exposure Therapy and other modalities. Specific medications are also recommended for the treatment of Acute Stress Disorder.

Finding a therapist

Working with a mental health therapist is a first step to symptom relief and meaningful change. A variety of mental health therapists are trained in the treatment of Acute Stress Disorder:

• Clinical psychologists (PhD)
• Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW or LMSW)
• Licensed professional counselors (LPC)
• Licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPC)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)

Having access to an empathic, non judgmental psychotherapist, in an emotionally safe environment, can offer the trauma survivor the opportunity to improve their symptoms, enrich their quality of life, and prevent unnecessary complications in the future.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used form of psychotherapy that has proven to be effective in the treatment of a range of mental health conditions, including PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder, Major Depression Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. When indicated, the addition of targeted medications can further enhance symptom relief.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another well researched treatment, designed specifically for the treatment of PTSD. EMDR is offered by psychotherapists, who have received specialized training in that modality. EMDR trained mental health therapists can be located at www.emdria.org.

Exposure therapy

Exposure Therapy involves desensitizing the individual to traumatic triggers by gradual exposure to triggering cues starting with the least disturbing.

The decision to start therapy

Many people try to cope with their distress on their own, then feel disappointed when they find that this is very difficult to do. Deciding to start therapy can be hard; it takes courage.

For some people, it can take time to warm up to the idea of sharing one’s intimate thoughts or disclosing details of one’s life, especially for those who grew up in a culture where seeking psychological help was frowned upon.

Psychotherapy is increasingly accepted as not only a way to improve mental health symptoms, but also a means for self exploration and personal growth. No problem is too small for a trained therapist: an individual need not worry that others may have it worse. The willingness to reach out for help is increasing: in 2020, one out of every six Americans (men and women) reported seeing a therapist.

Seeing a therapist with whom one feels comfortable, and a sense of connection, and who also participates in their insurance network, is essential. It may take a couple tries to find a therapist who feels like the right fit. If therapy didn't help the first time around, it can be helpful to give another therapist a try because therapeutic styles vary so much from therapist to therapist.

Where to start

Requesting one’s physician to make a referral is often a good place to start. Many health insurance cards have websites or 1-800 numbers to call for a list of in-network providers.

To find a therapist who takes your insurance, the National Institute of Mental Health offers a comprehensive list of resources.

Psychology Today also lists therapists by type, location and insurance.

Determining whether medications will play a role in treatment

When symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder are severe, individuals may need medications in addition to therapy. One of the primary goals of treating acute stress disorder is to work through distressing symptoms, and prevent the development of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD). There is an overlap in medications used to treat PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder.

Antidepressants

The most common treatment for these conditions are antidepressants; however, this class of medication takes some time to work. In some cases, benzodiazepines such as alprazolam are prescribed soon after the acutely stressful experience, which can allow the individual to find comfort until an antidepressant takes full effect within the next few weeks. However, benzodiazepines have an addictive potential and many doctors are reluctant to prescribe them for Acute Stress Disorder. When prescribed in a collaborative way with a healthcare provider, the benefits may outweigh the risks for certain individuals.

The decision to start or stop taking a medication is a medical decision that is best made in conjunction with a board certified mental health/addictions prescriber. Communication between client and treatment provider is key for medication management, just as it is for all matters concerning recovery and mental health.

Healthcare providers that can prescribe medications

Psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions by prescribing medications. Sometimes it's hard to find a psychiatric provider because there are so many people who need them. So, individuals often choose to see a different kind of provider who can prescribe. This could be a doctor they already see, like a primary care doctor, family doctor or OB/GYN, or a new primary doctor.

FDA warning on antidepressants

Some research exists that, occasionally, newly initiated anti-depressants may increase the risk of suicide. If an individual begins to have these thoughts after starting an anti-depressant, please stop this medicine and contact one's prescriber immediately. This risk is more evident in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Dietary supplements

There are an increasing number of supplements, such as an herb, vitamin, mineral, and other supplements claiming to improve sleep, depression, stress, restlessness, or anxiety. While it is possible for a supplement to improve one’s symptoms, their effects are often unproven. Be aware that dietary supplements are not controlled by the FDA and, therefore, are not subject to the standards of quality, uniformity, and testing for efficacy and safety as regulated medications. It is important to share a list of all medications and supplements with one's treating provider because some of them may interact with the medications they prescribe.