Acute stress disorder (ASD): Overview
Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a short-term mental health condition that can happen after a traumatic event. This could be an event that threatens you or someone else. Or it could be an event that causes serious injury. Military combat, a car crash, and sexual assault are some examples.
You can get ASD if the event happened to you or to someone you love. And you can get it if you saw the event happen to someone else. People who are exposed to a lot of traumatic events can also get ASD. For instance, it can happen to police officers and health care workers.
When you have ASD, you may feel like you're going through the event again. This is called a flashback. And you may have disturbing memories or dreams about the event. You may also have trouble going to work, keeping appointments, and being social.
ASD is treated with counseling. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of counseling for this condition. Sometimes medicines are used to treat ASD.
Symptoms of ASD last less than 1 month. If your symptoms last longer than a month, then you may have another condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Acute stress disorder
Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a short-term mental health condition that can happen after a traumatic event. This is an event that causes a reaction of fear, helplessness, or horror.
When you have ASD, you may feel emotionally numb. You may relive the event through disturbing memories or dreams. And you may avoid things that remind you of the event. These symptoms are so intense that they disrupt daily activities like going to work and interacting with other people. Symptoms of ASD last less than 1 month. Symptoms that last longer than 1 month are called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What are the symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD)?
Symptoms include having disturbing memories and dreams about the traumatic event. You may also feel like the event is happening again. This is called a flashback. Other symptoms include not getting any joy from life and feeling like nothing is real. And you may stay away from things that remind you of the event.
How is acute stress disorder (ASD) treated?
ASD is treated with counseling. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of counseling for ASD. It focuses on changing certain thoughts and behaviors. This can help with the symptoms. CBT also may help prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Medicines are sometimes used to treat ASD.
How is acute stress disorder (ASD) diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you about the traumatic event. You'll also be asked about your symptoms, how long you've had them, and how they affect your life. Your doctor may ask if you have other conditions, like a brain injury.
How can you care for yourself when you have acute stress disorder (ASD)?
Be sure to go to your counseling sessions and any follow-up appointments. Get plenty of rest and exercise every day. Avoid drinking and using drugs. And seek out friends and family for support. Let your doctor know if your symptoms don't go away after 1 month.
What is acute stress disorder (ASD)?
Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a short-term mental health condition that can happen after a traumatic event. This is an event in which someone is threatened or badly injured, like a car crash. People with ASD may have flashbacks or feel like they're reliving the event. ASD lasts less than 1 month.
What causes acute stress disorder (ASD)?
You can get ASD if you witness or go through a traumatic event. You also can get it if you learn that a loved one had a traumatic event. People who are exposed to lots of traumatic events can also get ASD. For instance, this can happen to police officers and health care workers.
Acute stress disorder (ASD): When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your symptoms are getting worse.
- You have new or worse symptoms of anxiety or depression.
- You are not getting better as expected.
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