Acute Stress Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a short-term condition that develops after experiencing trauma. Symptoms mirror those of PTSD but resolve within a month of the triggering event. However, those with ASD can still experience distressing nightmares, hypervigilance, and anxiety that impair their ability to function. Seeking professional support can help prevent ASD from worsening and becoming PTSD.

How Is Acute Stress Disorder Diagnosed?

To be diagnosed with ASD, an individual must have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event and exhibit specific symptoms that cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. A licensed mental health professional can evaluate to determine if someone meets the criteria for ASD. They may also perform a differential diagnosis to rule out other possible causes of symptoms.

Can Acute Stress Disorder Be Prevented?

Due to the nature of acute stress, prevention is nearly impossible. However, you can train your mind to cope with distress more easily by learning about your triggers. Working with a therapist to address these issues can be helpful and limit future stress reactions.

Acute Stress Disorder Treatment

Treatment for acute stress disorder usually involves therapy, sometimes alongside medication.^2,8 Professional support can help those with ASD learn healthy ways to cope with and heal from trauma. Often, taking the first step is hard. Remember, your mental health is as important as your physical health.

Therapy

Individuals should consider trauma-informed therapy if they struggle to cope with acute stress disorder. These specialists understand the impact trauma can have on every aspect of life and help you develop healthy coping skills. Many other approaches are also available, so explore local or online therapy options to determine what best suits your needs. Finding the right therapist is essential to receiving the best care and symptom improvement.

Therapy options for acute stress disorder may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on modifying unhealthy thoughts and emotions that contribute to behavior. In the case of trauma survivors, CBT can help clients confront distressing memories to reduce their impact.
• Prolonged exposure therapy: This form of CBT helps people gradually desensitize themselves to traumatic memories and reminders.
• Trauma-focused CBT (TFCBT): TFCBT focuses on teaching children and adolescents to manage difficult trauma reactions through relaxation, emotional regulation, and parent-child collaboration.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT emphasizes accepting and tolerating difficult thoughts and feelings while responding in ways that align with personal values.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR involves guided eye movements intended to evoke trauma memories. The client and therapist then verbally process these experiences to reduce distress.
• Somatic therapy: Somatic therapy incorporates body-focused exercises to increase self-awareness and discharge residual trauma effects.

Medication

A doctor, psychiatrist, or other licensed prescriber may prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms of acute stress disorder. Depending on their symptoms and co-occurring conditions, people may benefit from antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.^1,5 A prescribing physician will evaluate patients to determine which options best suit their needs and hopes for treatment. Always consult a professional about the risks and benefits of medication.

How to Cope With Acute Stress Disorder

If you have experienced a recent traumatic event and are experiencing signs and symptoms of acute stress disorder, you should seek the help of a professional counselor. Early treatment can help reduce symptoms and, in some cases, prevent the development of PTSD.

Below are 11 ways to cope with acute stress disorder:

• Stay active and social: Continue seeing friends and family, especially when struggling. Your support system will encourage you in your healing journey by validating your experience and efforts. Seek positive people with whom to grow and develop.
• Try meditation or mindfulness: Meditation and mindfulness can help reduce stress, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Consider implementing daily practices to regulate your stress response and promote relaxation, even in the face of trauma triggers.
• Avoid unhealthy coping skills: People experiencing high levels of distress are more likely to fall into unhealthy behavior patterns, such as overeating, overspending, or substance use. These strategies may provide temporary relief but become problematic when you use them to avoid, escape, or cope with difficult emotions.
• Set and work toward goals: Setting healthy goals can help ensure you stay hopeful about the future. They can also guard against depression and anxiety and provide a sense of meaning and purpose.
• Find the silver lining: No one wants or deserves trauma. However, people who seek post-traumatic growth can better cope and move forward with their lives. Focus on finding silver linings in your values, relationships, or accomplishments. Highlight anything that brings joy and substance to your life.
• Regularly move your body: Physical activity boosts endorphins that combat negative mood. Regular exercise may help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress associated with ASD.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients can support your mental and physical health, helping reduce stress and providing necessary resources to cope with ASD.
• Focus on getting enough sleep: Prioritizing healthy sleep habits by establishing a routine and creating a calming sleep environment allows your body to rest and recharge.
• Celebrate little victories: Recognize and acknowledge your achievements, even small ones, to boost your sense of accomplishment, self-esteem, and resilience in the face of ASD.
• Shun self-blame: Understand that ASD is a natural response to a traumatic event and avoid blaming yourself for the symptoms you experience
• Take time for self-care: Engage in activities you find enjoyable and relaxing, whether engaging in hobbies, spending time in nature, or seeking support from loved ones. Prioritizing self-care can help reduce stress and promote healing during the recovery process.

Helping a Loved One With Acute Stress Disorder

Finding ways to support someone who has experienced trauma can be difficult. Remember to keep communication open and stay empathetic. While you cannot force them to accept help, you can encourage them to take the first step.

Below are ways to support a loved one experiencing acute stress disorder:⁴

• Open lines of communication: Let your loved one know you are a safe space to talk about and share their feelings. Many people with trauma histories struggle with vulnerability, and they may decline your offer. However, keep the invitation open should they change their mind.
• Express your concern: Ask them how they feel if you notice changes in their mood or behavior. Avoid pushing them for answers, but calmly express your concern for their well-being. Reiterate you care about them and want them to feel their best.
• Encourage treatment: Help your loved one in the aftermath of trauma by encouraging them to seek support. Ask them how you assist them, whether driving them to therapy appointments, sitting with them afterward, or simply lending a listening ear.
• Continue to check in: Check in with your loved one periodically, as the effects of trauma can be overwhelming. The recovery period can be difficult, but survivors often feel better when they know they are not alone.

Acute Stress Disorder Infographics