Acute Stress Disorder

Being in a car accident, getting caught in severe weather, losing someone unexpectedly, or being a victim of abuse can cause stress. These are life events that may also bring about other emotions, like fear or anxiety. You might experience flashbacks or have nightmares. Maybe you avoid things that remind you of the stressful or traumatic event.

While these reactions may be new to you, they’re actually quite normal. Think of it this way: They’re your body’s way of coping with severe stress. And there’s a name for it, too: acute stress disorder (ASD).

What Is ASD?

When you recently experience or witness a traumatic or stressful event, ASD may set in soon after. ASD is often confused with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Both conditions mean your body is stressed after facing trauma.

But ASD usually starts within a month of the traumatic event. With PTSD, you may feel psychological (mental) effects of the traumatic event much longer.

What causes ASD?

Studies suggest you’re more likely to experience ASD after experiencing or witnessing a violent or traumatic event. In addition, you may be more at risk if you:

• Experienced prior trauma

• Witnessed traumatic events

• Have a history of a mental condition, such as anxiety, panic disorders, or depression

• Lack access to mental health support, such as therapists, counselors, support groups, or mental health centers

How can I tell if I have ASD?

Your doctor or mental health care provider will make the diagnosis based on your medical history and symptoms.

The symptoms of ASD may include:

• Recurring memories of the event

• Frequent nightmares

• Flashbacks or triggers

• Feeling distress when you’re reminded of the event

• Persistent bad mood or feelings of hopelessness

• Feeling numb or detached

• Avoiding thoughts, memories, or reminders of the event

• Problems sleeping

• Irritability

• Hyper-alertness

• Distractibility

• Hyperreactivity to loud noises or other changes in your surroundings

How is ASD treated?

Luckily, there are many ways to treat ASD. Your health care provider may recommend the following treatment options:

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you how to cope with your problems. In therapy, you’ll focus on your thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. If you work toward changing them, you may be better able to cope with past trauma.

A particular type of CBT, known as trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT), works very well with ASD. TF-CBT is usually the first choice of treatment for ASD. During TF-CBT, a therapist will help you become more aware of when you’re stressed. They’ll also show you better ways to manage your symptoms.

Exposure therapy. This type of therapy gradually and safely exposes you to your fear. For example, you may avoid the intersection where you had your car accident. Your therapist will go to the intersection with you and help you face it. Exposure therapy can be very effective for ASD.

Medicine. While they can’t cure ASD on their own, medicines can help relieve symptoms. You may be prescribed medicines such as:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft)

• Anti-anxiety medicines like alprazolam (Xanax)

How can I manage my ASD?

If you have ASD, try to do everything you can to take care of yourself. Healthy habits will make it easier to cope with symptoms. For instance, try to:

• Find movement you enjoy

• Eat nutritious and healthy foods

• Get enough sleep

• Practice stress-reducing habits, like deep breathing

• Ask for support from family, friends, and mental health centers

• See your health care providers regularly, including your therapist or counselors

• Avoid using alcohol or drugs to self-medicate

No matter what you’re facing, know that ASD doesn’t last forever. Most people overcome it if they get the right help. But if worry you may be a danger to yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support. To find support in your area, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline for free and confidential information.