Acute Stress Disorder: Causes, Symptoms and Relief

Stress is a normal part of life, but sometimes it can become so intense that it can result in a serious psychological condition known as Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). This condition is characterised by severe anxiety, avoidance behaviours, and intrusive thoughts that arise within a month of a traumatic event. 

Following a traumatic experience, people might develop acute stress disorder (ASD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although similar, there are differences between these conditions. While PTSD symptoms might appear months or years after the event, ASD symptoms appear recently after the event. While PTSD symptoms are less severe, they last longer. ASD symptoms are more severe but last for a shorter duration. Similar treatment approaches may be effective for both conditions, but PTSD treatment may be more intensive and prolonged.

It may even be difficult to differentiate between PTSD and anxiety. To learn more about this, read How to Differentiate Between PTSD and Anxiety? 

What Causes Acute Stress Disorder?

ASD is often triggered by a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, accident, assault, living with a terminal illness or military combat. This can cause overwhelming stress and fear, which can lead to the development of this condition. It is important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop ASD, as the severity of symptoms depends on various factors such as the individual's level of resilience, previous traumatic experiences, and support systems.

Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder

The symptoms of ASD can be debilitating and can interfere with a person's daily life. Some common symptoms include:

• Intrusive thoughts or memories about the traumatic event

• Avoidance behaviours such as avoiding reminders of the traumatic event

• Hypervigilance or increased arousal

• Nightmares or flashbacks

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

• Irritability or anger

• Increased heart rate or sweating

In ASD, you may also experience co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety. If you are also experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety, read How Do I Talk To Someone About My Depression Or Anxiety?

Relief for Acute Stress Disorder

There are several effective methods for relieving symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder, including:

• Psychotherapy: This is a form of talk therapy that helps individuals work through their feelings and reactions to a traumatic event. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is often used to help individuals learn new coping strategies and manage their symptoms.
• Medication: Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications can help reduce symptoms of ASD. 
• Community Support:  We all need a safe space to discuss our experiences with others who understand what we are going through. Join the Amaha Community for expert-moderated peer support for your mental health. 
• Self-care: Taking care of yourself through proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise can reduce symptoms of ASD. Download our self-care app for short courses, activities and resources. 

Experiencing Acute Stress Disorder after a traumatic event can be a difficult and overwhelming journey. It's important to remember that you're not alone, and that help is available. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with ASD, we encourage you to consult a psychiatrist or a therapist.