ASD arises because of a traumatic life experience. Like ASD and PTSD are alike in many ways, their definitions when making the diagnosis and treatment choices are different. Recognizing Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), knowing its effects and getting assistance right away is important to avoid serious problems later. If you come to DeLand Treatment Solutions, we’ll support you in finding ways to heal from trauma.
What is Acute Stress Disorder?
What does Acute Stress Disorder refer to? People who have Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) develop symptoms between three days and four weeks after a traumatic experience. Experiencing or seeing death, terrible injury, or any threat to your life may be considered trauma. CDC is grouped as a trauma- and stressor-related disorder by the DSM-5.
The DSM-5 lists trauma, dissociation, intrusive memories and increased arousal in a person as necessary to be diagnosed with ASD. According to experts, only when the symptoms seriously affect a person’s mood or routine are they considered relevant for diagnosis. Even though ASD doesn’t last long, leaving it untreated can lead to PTSD.
Difference Between Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD?
Just because they are similar doesn’t mean they don’t have differences.
Time Frame
If someone has Acute Stress Disorder, the symptoms start within 3 days of the event and may last as long as 4 weeks.
PTSD: Signs can continue for more than a month and sometimes begin appearing long after the event.
Symptom Duration
Treatment started early often results in the problem being fully resolved.
Usually, those with PTSD need to be cared for over a long period.
Diagnosis
Not treating ASD can allow it to develop into PTSD. Around 50 percent of those with untreated autism spectrum disorder have PTSD.
The medical team may decide on a diagnosis of PTSD when the symptoms continue after a month.
If we understand these differences at an early stage, we can use the best possible interventions. When ASD is diagnosed and treated quickly, long-term problems can be prevented.
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Symptoms and Causes of Acute Stress Disorder
Acute Stress Disorder is marked by symptoms in five primary categories.
Intrusion Symptoms
- Annoying memories of what happened that came to mind automatically
- Memories from the past kept interrupting her thoughts.
- Serious frustration or anxiety when experiencing a reminder of the trauma
Negative Mood
- Being unable to feel good emotions
- Emotional numbness
Dissociative Symptoms
- Experiencing a disconnect from what truly surrounds them (for example, ideas of dreaming)
- The inability to remember details of what happened (dissociative amnesia).
Avoidance Symptoms
Don’t allow yourself to be surrounded by reminders, people or places linked to the trauma
Arousal Symptoms
- Sleep difficulties
- Sometimes an alcoholic might experience anger or irritability.
- Having an overly attentive mindset and being startled by unexpected noises
- Difficulty concentrating
The DSM-5 requires nine out of the symptoms listed above for an ASD diagnosis.
Causes of Acute Stress Disorder
ASD sometimes appears in someone who has experienced or witnessed an extremely stressful event. These conditions are often caused by:
- Things such as car wrecks or disasters caused by nature
- Service in a military capacity
- A death that takes us by surprise
- Experiencing or seeing someone hurt
- Having a medical condition that puts your life at risk
No two people react the same way to trauma. A person’s coworking techniques, the help they receive and their condition before autism matter in its development.
What are the Risk Factors for Acute Stress Disorder?
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing ASD after trauma:
Personal History
- Previous trauma
- Family or personal history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues
Severity of the Event
- Experiencing a life-threatening, overwhelming, or terrifying situation
Lack of Support
- Isolation from friends or family
- Inability to access professional care
Dissociation During the Event
- Feeling detached, emotionally numb, or mentally absent during the trauma
Individual Traits
- High neuroticism
- Poor emotional resilience
- High baseline stress levels
Early identification of these risk factors can help reduce long-term consequences through timely intervention.
Treatment for Acute Stress Disorder
The good news is that acute stress disorder treatment is effective, especially when started early. At DeLand Treatment Solutions, we offer trauma-informed care to support your mental and emotional recovery.
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is the most evidence-based treatment for ASD. It helps individuals:
- Process and cope with trauma
- Challenge negative thinking patterns
- Reduce avoidance behaviors
- Develop healthy coping skills
One form of CBT, exposure therapy, allows individuals to gradually face trauma-related fears in a safe, controlled way.
2. Medication
Medications can help manage specific symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
Standard treatments for depression can include SSRIs and short-term medicines for anxiety, both suggested by a professional.
3. Stress Management Techniques
Teaching effective stress reduction is a vital part of healing. Strategies include:
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Journaling
- Grounding techniques
4. Supportive Therapy
Sharing how you feel in a safe environment can help you feel much better. Therapy that supports you allows your emotions to be heard and encourages you to heal.
5. Group Therapy and Peer Support
Getting to know others who understand your trauma can make us feel less alone and help us get stronger. Group therapy brings together the community, helps everyone understand and creates a sense of collective power.
6. Crisis Intervention
Immediately after trauma, crisis intervention teams help regulate emotions and minimizes the chances someone will develop ASD or PTSD.
Find Help for Acute Stress Disorder Today
Although trauma can cause serious harm, it is possible to heal. Don’t put off seeking help until your symptoms are critical or have lasted a long time. Your recovery will be better if you start treatment quickly.
Anyone experiencing trauma issues at DeLand Treatment Solutions gets individual attention and genuine care. Your treatment plan will be made by our trained experts with your needs in mind.
