What Is Acute Stress Disorder and How Do You Treat It?

Everyone experiences stress. It’s a normal part of life, and in many cases, a little stress isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But, there’s a difference between experiencing the stress of everyday life and the stress that occurs after a traumatic event. Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a mental health condition typically caused by a traumatic experience. It occurs within the first month after a traumatic event and often overlaps with the symptoms of PTSD. 

But, the two conditions are not the same. It’s important to know the ins and outs of ASD, so you can determine whether you might be dealing with it. The sooner you can receive an official diagnosis, the sooner you can get the treatment you deserve. 

So, what is Acute Stress Disorder, and what can you do to overcome it?

What Are the Signs of ASD?

While the symptoms of ASD and PTSD can overlap, there are some differences to be aware of. Some of the most common signs of ASD include: 

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Mood swings

• A lack of concentration

• Reckless behavior

• Flashbacks

• Feeling emotionally numb

Symptoms can also manifest themselves physically. It’s not uncommon for people with ASD to deal with heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, stomach issues, and chest pains. Why so much physical distress? 

When you’re under a lot of stress, especially acute stress from something specific, your body pumps out more stress hormones, including adrenaline. Too much adrenaline within your bloodstream can cause the symptoms above and many more, thanks to the overactivity of your nervous system. 

How is it Diagnosed?

Another major difference between PTSD and ASD is the timeframe. For someone to officially be diagnosed with PTSD, they typically have to experience symptoms for over a month. When it comes to Acute Stress Disorder, a diagnosis must occur three days to a month after the traumatic experience. 

The symptoms are often very intense, which is what makes it easy to diagnose the problem, especially if the trauma is fresh and still very present in your mind. 

Because the stress is “acute”, you might think it will just go away on its own. That’s technically true – ASD as a condition doesn’t last forever. But, many of the symptoms of ASD will carry over into long-term PTSD without treatment. More importantly, you can see how some of the symptoms have the potential to cause more harm. They can lead to physical health problems or long-term mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. 

How is ASD Treated?

While Acute Stress Disorder isn’t permanent, it’s a good idea to seek out treatment based on the risks above. Some of the most common treatment options include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), counseling, and certain types of anti-anxiety medications. 

If your symptoms have persisted or you haven’t received an official diagnosis, it’s important to talk with a mental health professional or even a medical doctor. While you might still be struggling with ASD, you could also be dealing with PTSD, which can often require more long-term treatment options.  

Unfortunately, not as many people are aware of ASD as they are of PTSD. But, you don’t have to wait for a month or longer to get help if you’re struggling after a traumatic experience. 

If you regularly experience any of the symptoms listed in this article, don’t feel like you have to learn to live with them. Feel free to contact me as soon as possible to set up an appointment. Understanding ASD is the first step in correctly diagnosing and treating it, so you can start working through your trauma effectively right away, rather than letting your symptoms linger for months or years.