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Acute Stress Disorder
Moderate
Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a trauma- and stressor-related mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, avoidance, heightened arousal, and dissociation. ASD is diagnosed when significant symptoms occur from 3 days to 1 month after the trauma and cause substantial distress or impairment.
Body System
Mental Health
When to Seek Medical Attention
Acute stress disorder should be assessed when severe stress symptoms persist after a traumatic event or significantly interfere with daily functioning. Seek prompt professional care when symptoms are worsening, overwhelming, or preventing normal activities. Emergency assistance is needed for suicidal thoughts, thoughts of harming others, severe behavioral disturbance, inability to remain safe, or other acute psychiatric or medical concerns.
Symptoms
3
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a trauma- and stressor-related mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, avoidance, heightened arousal, and dissociation. ASD is diagnosed when significant symptoms occur from 3 days to 1 month after the trauma and cause substantial distress or impairment.
Symptoms 3
Insomnia
Irritability
Panic Attacks
Causes 1
Acute stress disorder occurs following exposure to a traumatic event. Trauma can include experiences involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops ASD, and individual responses to traumatic events can vary substantially.
Stress
Risk Factors
Risk may be increased by previous traumatic experiences, a history of post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health conditions, and certain types of traumatic exposure, including interpersonal violence. However, it is difficult to predict which individuals will develop acute stress disorder after a traumatic event.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis requires a clinical assessment of the traumatic event, symptoms, their duration, and their effect on daily functioning. A qualified mental health professional may assess symptoms such as intrusion, avoidance, arousal, and dissociation while also considering other medical or psychological explanations. ASD is distinguished from PTSD partly by the timing of symptoms, with ASD occurring from 3 days to 1 month after trauma.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
There is no guaranteed way to prevent acute stress disorder after a traumatic event
After trauma, ensuring safety, obtaining appropriate support, and seeking professional help when distress is severe or interferes with daily life may support recovery
People with persistent or significant trauma-related symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional
Prevention Guidance
There is no guaranteed way to prevent acute stress disorder after a traumatic event. After trauma, ensuring safety, obtaining appropriate support, and seeking professional help when distress is severe or interferes with daily life may support recovery. People with persistent or significant trauma-related symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Whole Grains
Support energy balance
Fresh Fruits
Provide nutrients
Vegetables
Support health
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
May worsen stress symptoms
Excess Caffeine
May worsen anxiety
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
A short-term reaction to trauma.
Exposure to a traumatic event.
Anxiety, distress, and emotional numbness.
Some cases may progress to PTSD.
Through clinical assessment.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.