Acute stress disorder: Symptoms & next steps

What is acute stress disorder?

What is an example of an acute stress disorder?

How common is ASD?

Symptoms and causes

Symptoms of ASD:

• Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks of the traumatic event 
• Recurring nightmares 
• Disturbed sleep 
• Irritability  
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Feeling numb or detached 
• Avoidance 
• Negative mood 
• Heightened anxiety 
• Reckless or aggressive behaviour 
• Palpitations 
• Memory loss  

Causes of ASD:

• Accidents or other unexpected dangerous events 
• Natural disasters like earthquakes, wildfires, or floods 
• Violence such as domestic violence or physical assault 
• Death of a loved one 
• Life-threatening illnesses or severe injuries 

Risk factors for acute stress disorder

1. Experiencing traumatic events: Individuals who have either directly encountered or observed trauma exhibit an elevated risk for the development of acute stress disorder (ASD). 
2. Prior mental health conditions: Individuals with a documented history of anxiety, depression, or other psychological disorders may demonstrate increased vulnerability to developing ASD following a traumatic incident. 
3. Absence of social support: The presence of limited social support from familial, friendly, or professional networks can exacerbate the likelihood of ASD. This deficiency leaves individuals without the emotional resources necessary to effectively cope with traumatic experiences. 
4. Previous trauma exposure: A history of trauma or abuse, particularly during childhood, significantly heightens an individual's susceptibility to developing ASD in response to subsequent traumatic occurrences. 
5. The severity of the traumatic experience: The intensity and perceived threat to life associated with a traumatic event play a considerable role in determining the risk of developing ASD. Experiences that are more severe or life-threatening are linked to a greater incidence of the disorder. 
6. Personality characteristics: Certain personality traits, such as heightened anxiety or a predisposition towards catastrophic thinking, may further increase the likelihood of developing ASD. 
7. Insufficient coping mechanisms: The absence of effective coping strategies to manage stress or trauma can hinder an individual's ability to process their experiences, increasing the risk of ASD. 
8. Chronic stress levels: Individuals who are already enduring elevated levels of stress in their personal or professional lives demonstrate a greater probability of developing ASD when confronted with traumatic events.  

Diagnosis and tests

When to consult a doctor?

Management and treatment

1. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioural therapy represents one of the most effective treatment modalities available. It assists individuals in processing trauma, managing distressing thoughts, and fostering the development of healthier coping strategies. 
2. Exposure therapy: As a specific application of cognitive behavioural therapy, exposure therapy encompasses the safe confrontation of memories related to traumatic events. This approach aims to diminish the emotional impact of such memories. 
3. Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR): Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing facilitates the processing of traumatic memories by employing guided eye movements while the individual recalls the trauma. 
4. Medication: Prescribing antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be considered to manage symptoms associated with anxiety or depression; however, such medications are generally used for short durations. 
5. Supportive counselling: Engaging in discussions with a counsellor or therapist can offer essential emotional support, assisting individuals in coping with feelings of helplessness or isolation. 
6. Relaxation techniques: Practices including deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness play a significant role in alleviating anxiety and stress levels. 
7. Social support: Establishing connections with family, friends, or support groups delivers vital emotional support and mitigates feelings of isolation during the recovery process. 
8. Self-care: Prioritising sufficient sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity contribute positively to both physical and mental well-being, facilitating recovery. 

Prevention of ASD 

1. Enhancing resilience: Developing effective coping strategies through the implementation of stress management techniques, mindfulness practices, and emotional regulation can facilitate an individual's ability to process traumatic experiences more effectively.
2. Social support systems: Establishing and sustaining robust connections with family, friends, and support networks can offer essential emotional resources that mitigate the effects of trauma and foster the healing process.
3. Timely professional intervention: Pursuing professional assistance immediately following a traumatic event can play a significant role in averting the progression of symptoms into acute stress disorder (ASD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
4. Promotion of a healthy lifestyle: Engaging in consistent physical exercise, adhering to a nutritious diet, and ensuring sufficient sleep are fundamental to improving mental and physical health, decreasing susceptibility to stress.
5. Trauma-informed approaches: Participation in therapeutic environments that acknowledge and address the repercussions of trauma can be instrumental in preventing the development of ASD after distressing incidents.
6. Education and public awareness: Increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms associated with trauma and stress enables individuals to identify early indicators of ASD and encourages timely intervention.

How long does acute stress disorder last?