Acute Stress Disorder
A condition involving intense stress symptoms occurring within the first month after exposure to a traumatic event.
Overview
Acute stress disorder involves intrusive, dissociative, avoidance, and arousal symptoms that occur within the first month following exposure to a traumatic event. It shares features with PTSD but is defined by its shorter duration.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include intrusive memories, dissociation or feeling detached from oneself, avoidance of trauma reminders, negative mood, and heightened arousal such as poor sleep or difficulty concentrating. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Acute stress disorder is triggered by exposure to trauma. Risk is associated with trauma severity, prior mental health history, and the amount of support available immediately afterward.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy may help reduce symptoms and lower the likelihood of progression to PTSD.
Living With Acute Stress Disorder
Maintaining routine, using grounding techniques, and seeking support from trusted people can help in the initial weeks after trauma.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Many people recover within weeks; for others, symptoms persist beyond a month and may be reassessed for PTSD.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.