Acute Stress Disorder
| What You Need To Know

Many of us will experience traumatic events at some point in our lives. Statistics surrounding traumatic events can be alarming. There are traumatic events that are a part of life such as a sudden loss or a natural disaster, then there are more violent experiences that can leave a lasting effect. 1 in 4 women have been a victim of rape or attempted rape, and each year, 1 million children suffer from abuse or neglect. In the United States alone, statistics show that 7 percent of men and 22 percent of women are either physically or sexually mistreated, three quarters of a million report being robbed, millions of children are bullied, and 3 million people are in car accidents each year.

Survivors of such traumatic events often experience intense symptoms in the months afterward. Some will immediately begin to experience symptoms while others may not until months or even years later. Symptoms that arise within a month of a trauma are often related to acute stress disorder (ASD). It can be helpful to know more about ASD to determine whether you or someone you love may be experiencing it.

A Better Understanding of Acute Stress Disorder

The medical definition of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) describes the condition as the anxiety and behavioral turmoil that develop in a month’s time following a traumatic event. When faced with danger or trauma, our automatic reactions are often survival-based. We may find ourselves trying to process and understand what happened. It can be difficult to make sense of senseless acts of violence which can intensify potential symptoms of ASD.

Acute stress disorder can be a precursor to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), their symptoms typically have a lot of overlap. The difference lies with how long symptoms persist. ASD often has a more sudden onset and symptoms begin to remit within a month. If these symptoms last more than four weeks, the diagnosis is changed to PTSD.

Research indicates that those with ASD are at a higher risk for developing PTSD. More than 80 percent of people diagnosed with ASD may develop PTSD within six months, but there can be exceptions. Although there appears to be a correlation between ASD and PTSD, the latter can develop even if you do not have acute stress disorder.

What are the Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder?

Acute Stress Disorder includes exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or violation. This can involve you yourself experiencing the event or learning that a loved one has experienced the event.

ASD is characterized by the presence of the following symptoms:

  • Intrusive/Re-Experiencing Symptoms: After experiencing a traumatic event our minds will often replay what happened. With ASD there is re-experiencing of the event through intrusive memories/thoughts, flashbacks and/or nightmares. These experiences can be so intense that it feels as if the event is happening again, almost as if you are reliving it.
  • Avoidance Behaviors: Trauma is painful, it is only natural to want to avoid people, places and things that remind you of what happened. With ASD you may find yourself going to great lengths to avoid even thinking about or talking about what happened.
  • Mood Related Symptoms: This group of symptoms includes experiencing depressed mood, numbness, difficulty feeling connected/close to others and/or inability to feel loving feelings toward others.
  • Arousal Symptoms: After a traumatic event our nervous system can feel as if it is in constant overdrive. This can result in difficulty sleeping, feeling on edge at all times, hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, angry outbursts and having a heightened startle response.
  • Dissociative Symptoms: These symptoms often manifest as feeling slowed down, having an altered sense of reality/perception of danger and/or having difficulty remembering important aspects of what you experienced.

For symptoms to be classified as acute stress disorder, the symptoms must occur for at least three days. Often symptoms begin right after an event, though that is not always the case.

The Prevalence of Acute Stress Disorder

Anyone can develop symptoms of ASD after a traumatic event. There are, however, certain factors that increase risk. These risk factors include:

  • The seriousness and type of trauma, whether induced or non-intentional
  • Lack of or inadequate support systems
  • Pre-existing psychological, emotional or behavioral health condition
  • Previous trauma
  • Substance abuse
  • Interpretation of the traumatic event
  • Perceived harm
  • Feelings of guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, etc.
  • High levels of pain experienced

Symptoms of ASD can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. Therapy can help.

Treatment Is Available

Acute stress disorder is a behavioral health condition that can negatively impact many aspects of your life. These symptoms can feel like “normal” responses to abnormal events. Trauma can seemingly turn your world upside down, with symptoms that can result in you feeling trapped and alone. Despite how you may be feeling, you are not alone.

Left untreated, symptoms will likely worsen. Seeking treatment when you first notice symptoms of ASD can greatly improve your prognosis and help you to reach remission much sooner. Don’t wait for your symptoms or your life to become unmanageable.

Carolina Counseling Services – Cameron, NC, on Hwy 87, near Linden Oaks contracts with independent, licensed therapists that know how to treat both ASD and PTSD. Start putting your trauma behind you, call CCS to schedule your first appointment. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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