Acute Stress Disorder
Overview
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a mental health condition that occurs in response to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is similar to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but has a shorter duration. ASD typically develops within one month after the traumatic event and can last for a minimum of three days to a maximum of four weeks.
To be diagnosed with Acute Stress Disorder, an individual must exhibit specific symptoms that cause significant distress or impairment in their daily functioning.
For a diagnosis of Acute Stress Disorder, these symptoms must significantly impact the person's ability to function and cause distress or impairment in important areas of their life, such as work, relationships, or daily activities. If the symptoms persist beyond four weeks, the diagnosis may be changed to PTSD.
It is important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop Acute Stress Disorder or PTSD, and individual responses to trauma can vary.
Key Features
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a mental health condition that occurs in response to a traumatic event or series of events. Some key features or types of ASD include:
Triggering Event: ASD typically arises following exposure to a traumatic event, such as a serious accident, natural disaster, physical assault, sexual assault, or witnessing a traumatic event. The event may involve actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
Symptoms: The primary symptoms of ASD include intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing thoughts related to the traumatic event. Individuals may also experience avoidance of reminders of the event, negative changes in mood or cognition, and heightened arousal or reactivity.
Duration: ASD occurs within one month of the traumatic event and lasts for a minimum of three days and a maximum of one month. If symptoms persist beyond one month, the diagnosis may change to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Intrusion Symptoms: Intrusion symptoms involve involuntary and distressing memories, thoughts, or images related to the traumatic event. These symptoms can intrude into the person's consciousness, causing significant distress and impairment.
Avoidance Symptoms: Avoidance symptoms involve efforts to avoid reminders of the traumatic event, including places, people, activities, thoughts, or feelings associated with the event. Avoidance behaviors may serve as a way to cope with distress but can also interfere with recovery.
Negative Mood and Cognition: Individuals with ASD may experience negative changes in mood or cognition, such as persistent negative emotions (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt), distorted beliefs about oneself or others, inability to experience positive emotions, or memory problems related to the traumatic event.
Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms: Arousal and reactivity symptoms involve heightened physiological arousal or reactivity in response to triggers or reminders of the traumatic event. This may include irritability, aggression, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, difficulty concentrating, or sleep disturbances.
Functional Impairment: ASD can cause significant distress and impairment in various areas of functioning, including social, occupational, academic, or other important areas of life. Individuals may have difficulty functioning at work or school, maintaining relationships, or engaging in daily activities.
It's important to note that ASD is a temporary condition that typically resolves within a few weeks or months, although some individuals may go on to develop PTSD if symptoms persist beyond one month. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can help individuals recover from ASD and prevent long-term complications.
How We Can Help
Psychologists play a crucial role in helping someone with Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) by providing assessment, support, and evidence-based treatments to address the symptoms and promote recovery. Here are some ways psychologists can help individuals with ASD:
Assessment and Diagnosis: Psychologists will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess the individual's symptoms, identify the traumatic event, and determine if they meet the criteria for Acute Stress Disorder. Accurate diagnosis is essential for developing a personalised treatment plan.
Psychoeducation: Psychologists will provide information about ASD, its symptoms, and the impact of trauma. Psychoeducation helps individuals understand their condition, reduce stigma, and normalise their experiences.
Emotional Support: People with ASD may experience overwhelming emotions and distress. Psychologists offer a safe and supportive environment to discuss their feelings and experiences, which can help in the healing process.
Coping Strategies: Psychologists teach coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises can help individuals regulate their emotions and reduce arousal symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach for ASD. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns related to the traumatic event, modify maladaptive coping strategies, and gradually confront avoided triggers.
Exposure Therapy: In controlled and safe settings, exposure therapy allows individuals to confront and process memories of the traumatic event. This can help reduce the power of traumatic memories and decrease avoidance behaviors.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a specialized therapy for trauma-related disorders. It involves bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, while processing traumatic memories to reduce their emotional impact.
Medication: In some cases, psychologists may collaborate with psychiatrists to prescribe medication to manage specific symptoms, such as anxiety or sleep disturbances.
Social Support: Psychologists encourage individuals to seek support from their social networks, such as friends and family, as strong social support can improve coping and recovery.
Safety Planning: For individuals at risk of harm to themselves or others, psychologists will develop safety plans and connect them with appropriate crisis resources.
Follow-Up and Monitoring: Psychologists regularly review the progress of their clients and adjust treatment plans as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.
It's important to remember that each individual's experience with ASD is unique, and treatment approaches may vary based on their specific needs and circumstances. Seeking help from a qualified mental health professional is crucial for effective assessment and treatment of Acute Stress Disorder. Early intervention and appropriate support can contribute significantly to the individual's recovery and resilience.
Raising awareness, advocating for early identification and intervention, and promoting support and understanding for individuals experiencing acute stress reactions following traumatic events is just a small stepping stone to providing the adequate therapy to allow individuals to progress.
Seeking professional help from mental health experts is crucial for accurate assessment, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. Early intervention and support can be beneficial in managing and recovering from the impact of traumatic events.