Acute Stress Disorder Treatment: Managing Symptoms After Trauma

Having access to timely acute stress disorder treatment may determine whether or not an upsetting event will pass and not become a prolonged burden. Should you feel jittery, uneasy, or unable to stop thinking about a particular traumatic experience, your actions are classified as an illness, not your personal failing.

This book is meant to offer information regarding the condition, its symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment, as well as steps to take prior to a visit to a doctor.

What Is Acute Stress Disorder?

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a mental health condition that develops after you live through or witness a traumatic event, such as a serious accident, violence, a natural disaster, or a sudden death. Your nervous system stays in survival mode even though the danger has passed.

The diagnosis depends on timing. Symptoms must appear and last between 3 days and 1 month after the event. Studies report that roughly 6% to 33% of trauma survivors develop it, with higher rates after violent, interpersonal events.

Common Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder

Almost everyone feels shaken after something terrifying. ASD is diagnosed when at least 9 of 14 possible symptoms are present and they interfere with daily life. They fall into five groups, shown below.

If several of these match your last few days, it is a good time to speak with a professional.

What Causes Acute Stress Disorder and Who Is at Risk?

The cause is an experience of a trauma, but not everyone who experiences the trauma will develop the disorder. There are some factors that increase the risk of developing a trauma, and they can help you or someone close to recognize early symptoms.

• A very intense, violent, or life-threatening situation.

• Previous experience with trauma, or any form of anxiety or depression.

• Lack of emotional support after the trauma.

• Pressure, such as financial or medical problems.

• Female gender, where high prevalence is found, mainly because of more exposure to interpersonal violence.

How Long Does Acute Stress Disorder Last?

By definition, the condition runs from day 3 to day 30 after the trauma. Many people begin improving within that period when they have safety, rest, and trusted people nearby.

And the danger in such a situation would be non-treatment. The frequently mentioned statistics show that 40% to 80% of patients who suffer from ASD later will have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is the reason why clinicians advise to take measures right away.

Acute Stress Disorder vs. PTSD: Key Differences

However, there are some things that make the differentiation of these disorders hard, mainly because both have quite similar symptoms. Nevertheless, there is one thing that distinguishes both, which is time.

Acute Stress Disorder Case Study: Kavita's Story

Kavita is a 31-year-old woman who got involved in an accident when the bus she was traveling in hit a truck. Kavita was bruised but still after nine days, she would wake up hearing the bangs of the collision. She did not use public transport anymore, was detached from her family, and became jumpy at loud bangs.

Her sister observed this and persuaded her to go to a therapist. Within the week, Kavita started receiving trauma-based treatment beginning with breathing and grounding techniques and then slowly processing the memory. By the sixth week, her nightmares were gone, she was using public transport again, and she never got PTSD. This is the normal course of early intervention.

How Is Acute Stress Disorder Diagnosed?

There is no blood test or imaging scan that can be used for the diagnosis of autism. You will be asked by a professional about your personal experiences with the illness, the symptoms, the length of time and how the illness affects you at work, sleep, and with people around you.

When you are unsure whether your reaction qualifies, a psychiatric assessment gives you a clear answer and a plan built around your situation. Clinicians often refer to the VA's National Center for PTSD for professional guidance on how the condition is recognized and managed.

Acute Stress Disorder Treatment Options That Work

Effective care combines therapy, daily support, and medication only when truly needed. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has the strongest track record, and the table compares the common approaches.

The effectiveness of CBT is very well supported by the results of a study of 24 trauma victims who have participated in a randomized trial. Of those, who underwent five sessions of CBT, only 8% had PTSD at the end of the test compared to 83% in the supportive counseling group. Six months later 17% and 67% respectively had PTSD. Four years later – 8% and 25%.

Trauma often arrives with panic, constant worry, or fear of certain situations. When that happens, combining trauma therapy with anxiety disorder treatment helps both problems improve together instead of one holding back the other.

How to Choose the Right Therapy After Trauma

Recovery depends on showing up, and that is easier when the style of therapy suits you. Some people prefer structured exercises and homework, while others need a slower, conversational pace at first.

It helps to understand the main types of mental health therapy before your first appointment, and these questions are worth asking any provider:

• Do you have experience treating recent trauma?

• How many sessions do you usually recommend?

• How will we measure progress?

• What should I do between appointments?

How to Cope With Acute Stress at Home

Routine activities are not a replacement for professional help; but, routine activities will calm your nerves between therapy sessions. Small and repetitious activities work better than large activities, especially if the attention span is short.

• Have fixed bedtimes, meal times, and waking up times.

• Go for a 20-minute walk to get rid of stress hormones.

• Inhale for 4 counts and exhale for 6 for two minutes.

• Apply the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique whenever an intrusive thought appears.

• Reduce coffee and alcohol consumption.

• Spend time with people who make you comfortable.

• Practice slow, body-based routines such as mindfulness and yoga, which ease the constant "on alert" feeling.

When to Seek Help Immediately

Some situations call for prompt attention rather than patience. If you notice any of the following, contact a professional or someone you trust right away.

• Symptoms are getting stronger instead of fading.

• You cannot work, study, or look after yourself.

• You are using alcohol or drugs to get through the day.

• You are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Stress and Anxiety Disorder Treatment at Athena Behavioral Health

Athena Behavioral Health provides help to people who are experiencing stress and anxiety beyond their capacity to manage by themselves. It can be post-traumatic stress, stress from work or home, and even prolonged anxiety despite all attempts to manage it.

Help begins with understanding. We will learn more about you, including your history, your symptoms and your present situation, and formulate a program based on your individual requirements. The help that we will provide you depends on your requirements; and it can include assessment, counseling, and wellness.