Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsRisk FactorsDiagnosisTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
Coping
Acute stress disorder (ASD) is ongoing distress that occurs within a month of experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as a death, serious injury, or assault. Symptoms may include negative mood, intrusive thoughts and flashbacks, avoidance of situations associated with the event, and feeling on high alert.
This article will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of ASD.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
Intrusion Symptoms
Negative Mood
Dissociative Symptoms
Avoidance Symptoms
Arousal Symptoms
Although it is normal to experience a psychological response immediately after a traumatic event, in many people the symptoms go away within a few days.
Certain risk factors can increase the chance of developing acute stress disorder. When those symptoms continue to last beyond a month, they can lead topost-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).
Risk factors for ASD and PTSD can be thought of in terms of the trauma itself, pre-trauma factors, and post-trauma factors.
Traumatic events that are very severe, cause bodily injury, or involve a mass trauma can lead to ASD, but can make it more likely that someone may experience PTSD. People who have a history of previous trauma, or a pre-existing diagnosis of amoodoranxiety disorder, are more likely to develop ASD.
After a trauma, a lack of social support or an environment of blame can also contribute to increased risk of developing ASD.
Help Is AvailableIf you or a loved one is struggling with acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Help Is Available
If you or a loved one is struggling with acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
The diagnosis of acute stress disorder, like that of other psychiatric disorders, is based on criteria listed in the DSM-5.
According to the diagnostic criteria, ASD is diagnosed when a person experiences nine or more of the previously listed symptoms that occur and resolve within one month of experiencing or witnessing trauma, and last for longer than two days.
The experience of trauma could be from directly experiencing injury or assault, witnessing trauma occurring to someone else, or hearing of a traumatic event occurring to a family member or close friend.
Prevalence of Acute Stress DisorderASD prevalence ranges based on the severity and nature of the trauma. It is thought to affect 6% to 50% of trauma-exposed people, depending on the specific type of trauma.
Prevalence of Acute Stress Disorder
ASD prevalence ranges based on the severity and nature of the trauma. It is thought to affect 6% to 50% of trauma-exposed people, depending on the specific type of trauma.
The primary treatment method for acute stress disorder includes a variety of trauma-focused psychotherapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
People with ASD can also benefit from social support from loved ones and community resources.
The benefit of medications for ASD is unclear at this time, although they can be helpful when symptoms continue beyond one month, as in PTSD. Certain medications may help to treat the symptoms of anxiety associated with ASD.
Avoiding caffeine and using relaxation techniques such asbreathing exercisescan be helpful for those experiencing difficulty sleeping.
A Word From Verywell
If you or a loved one is experiencingpsychological distressafter a trauma, know that you are not alone. These feelings are a very common response to trauma.
Experiencing symptoms of acute stress disorder may feel like you are losing control, but this often gets better with time. Leaning on loved ones for emotional support and seeking professional help through therapy can help you feel better.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. American Psychiatric AssociationDepartment of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense.VA/DoD clinical practice guideline for management of post-traumatic stress.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 changes on the national survey on drug use and health. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationAmerican Psychological Association.What is cognitive behavioral therapy?UpToDate.Treatment of acute stress disorder in adults.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. American Psychiatric AssociationDepartment of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense.VA/DoD clinical practice guideline for management of post-traumatic stress.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 changes on the national survey on drug use and health. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationAmerican Psychological Association.What is cognitive behavioral therapy?UpToDate.Treatment of acute stress disorder in adults.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. American Psychiatric AssociationDepartment of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense.VA/DoD clinical practice guideline for management of post-traumatic stress.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 changes on the national survey on drug use and health. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationAmerican Psychological Association.What is cognitive behavioral therapy?UpToDate.Treatment of acute stress disorder in adults.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association
Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense.VA/DoD clinical practice guideline for management of post-traumatic stress.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 changes on the national survey on drug use and health. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
American Psychological Association.What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
UpToDate.Treatment of acute stress disorder in adults.
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