Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a mental condition that can arise within the first month following a trauma, with symptoms overlapping with those of PTSD but differing in timing and manifestation. Rates of ASD among trauma survivors can vary significantly, typically ranging from 6% to 33%, influenced by the type of trauma experienced. Treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have shown effectiveness, whereas psychological debriefing lacks sufficient evidence for treating ASD.

1. Fitango Education
Health Topics
Acute Stress Disorder
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2. Overview
Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a mental disorder
that can occur in the first month following a
trauma. The symptoms that define ASD overlap
with those for PTSD. One difference, though, is
that a PTSD diagnosis cannot be given until
symptoms have lasted for one month.
Also, compared to PTSD, ASD is more likely to
involve feelings such as not knowing where you
are, or feeling as if you are outside of your body.
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3. Overview
How common is ASD?
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4. Overview
Studies of ASD vary in terms of the tools used and
the rates of ASD found. Overall, within one month
of a trauma, survivors show rates of ASD ranging
from 6% to 33%. Rates differ for different types of
trauma. For example, survivors of accidents or
disasters such as typhoons show lower rates of
ASD. Survivors of violence such as robbery,
assaults, and mass shootings show rates at the
higher end of that range.
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5. Risks
Several factors can place you at higher risk for
developing ASD after a trauma:
Having gone through other traumatic events
Having had PTSD in the past
Having had prior mental health problems
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6. Risks
Tending to have symptoms such as not knowing
who or where you are, when confronted with
trauma
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7. Treatment
Yes, a type of treatment called cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT) has been shown to have positive
results. Research shows that survivors who get CBT
soon after going through a trauma are less likely to
get PTSD symptoms later. A mental health care
provider trained in treatment for trauma can judge
whether CBT may be useful for a trauma survivor.
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8. Treatment
Another treatment called psychological debriefing
(PD) has sometimes been used in the wake of a
traumatic event. However, there is little research
to back its use for effectively treating ASD or PTSD.
It should also be noted that with more severe
trauma or reactions such as PTSD, debriefing is not
recommended.
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9. Additional Resources
National Center for PTSD
PsychCentral
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