Understanding Acute Stress Syndrome: Treatments, Causes and Prevention

Last Updated on Sat, 6 January 2024 | Medical Conditions And Diseases

Acute Stress Disorder is a psychological reaction to an event that was traumatic. It is characterized by intense distress, confusion, and intrusive thinking. This disorder often occurs before Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. ASD is a condition that affects 13- 14% people after a traumatic experience, according to the American Psychiatric Association. The disorder is not age-specific and can affect both sexes. Understanding its causes, treatment, and prevention can help us better manage the condition.

Understanding Acute Stress Syndrome: The basics

ASD can be a condition of mental health that develops after a traumatic experience. ASD can cause symptoms like disorientation and intrusive thinking, as well as sleep disorders, emotional numbness, and flashbacks. The symptoms are usually present within a few hours to days after the trauma and can last for up to one month.

According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 5- 20% individuals who are exposed to trauma develop ASD. Only about half of people who have ASD will develop PTSD. In spite of these statistics , ASD is often not diagnosed due to a lack of knowledge about it amongst healthcare professionals and members of the general public.

The Common Causes of Acute stress Disorder

The most common cause of Acute Stress disorder is experiencing or seeing a traumatizing event. These are some common triggers:

Severe accidents
Natural disasters
Violence or abusive treatment of a person
Military Combat
Terrorist attacks

Not everyone will experience these experiences and develop ASD. Genetics, mental health history, coping abilities, and personal genetics can all influence whether or not you develop the disorder.

Common treatments for acute stress disorder

The treatments for ASD are designed to reduce symptoms, enhance coping skills, and avoid the development of PTSD. These include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT helps the patient understand harmful thought patterns and to change them.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing: This type of therapy helps people cope with the distress caused by traumatic memories.
Medication is sometimes used to treat severe ASD symptoms, including anxiety or depression.

According to studies , CBT is 77% effective at treating ASD while EMDR was found to 67% effective.

Acute stress disorder: Expert opinions

Early intervention, according to experts is crucial in the management of ASD. A study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that early psychological intervention can lead to fewer PTSD diagnosis. The experts also emphasize the importance of increasing awareness and understanding amongst healthcare professionals and members of the general public.

Natural Remedies for Acute Stress Syndrome and Prevention Strategies

ASD can be managed with natural treatments and strategies for prevention. They include:

Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise, a balanced eating plan and regular physical activity
You can seek support by asking your family and friends or joining a support group
Alcohol and other drugs can worsen symptoms.

Early intervention following a trauma and psychological support for those who are affected is the key to prevention of ASD.

Acute stress disorder is an extremely severe, but treatable condition. It occurs as a result of trauma. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of ASD, as well as seek timely help. Individuals with ASD who receive professional care and support, as well as personal resilience can recover from trauma. .