Acute Stress Disorder

Acute stress disorder refers to short-term stress. Chronic stress refers to prolonged stress. Acute stress is defined as any stress that occurs over a short amount of time, such as a traffic delay, an argument with your spouse, criticism from your boss, or someone breaking into your home while you are not present.

However, the body is not particularly good at dealing with persistent stress. Chronic stress gradually raises your resting heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and muscular tension, requiring your body to work more at rest to keep you operating normally.

What Is Acute Stress Disorder?

Acute stress disorder is a mental health condition caused by a traumatic incident, which can be experienced directly or indirectly. It creates distressing symptoms and disability within a month of trauma and lasts no more than four weeks. Most persons who have been traumatized will have some form of psychological reaction, such as fear, grief, guilt, or rage.

However, within the first several weeks following a tragedy, some people experience more strong reactions that cause significant distress and interfere with their lives. These are known as acute stress reactions, and when several of them occur at the same time, they might be classified as acute stress disorder.

Acute Stress Disorder Symptoms

Many of us are aware of acute stress disorder symptoms, which can occur daily. Some of these acute stress symptoms can create health problems, but they normally go away once the stressful situation is over. It includes:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Lack of focus
• Insomnia
• Recurrent nightmares
• Anger
• Nail biting

Acute Stress Disorder Causes

Acute stress is defined as stress triggered by trivial conditions daily. Acute tension usually comes in bursts and disappears after the crisis or circumstance is over. Most of us endure this form of stress, and our bodies recover well. The following situations can cause acute stress:

• Traffic jams
• Running late
• Crowds
• Loud noises
• Argument with loved one
• Losing essential stuff, including a wallet
• Impending deadlines for work-related tasks

PTSD Vs Acute Stress Disorder

PTSD Acute Stress Disorder

Symptoms begin within 3 months after trauma but can be delayed. Symptoms begin within 3 days to 4 weeks after trauma.

It lasts for more than one month and can persist for years. End between 1-3 months.

Re-experiencing (flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance, hyperarousal, negative thoughts. Similar to PTSD, but also includes dissociative symptoms (e.g., depersonalization, derealization).

Previous trauma, lack of support, ongoing stress, personal or family history of mental illness. Similar risk factors to PTSD, with a focus on immediate trauma response.

It can be chronic and debilitating if untreated but is manageable with proper care. Often resolves within a month; may progress to PTSD if untreated.

Statistics about Acute Stress Disorder

Acute stress disorder is induced by trauma, either directly or indirectly. However, it does not affect everyone who has experienced trauma.

• Physical assault victims or bystanders have a 20-50% chance of developing ASD.
• The rate is less than 20% when the trauma is not relational assault. Trauma can take many forms, including accidents and severe wounds.
• Around 50% of individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder had ASD before diagnosis.
• Approximately 13-21% of individuals injured in car accidents acquire ASD.
• ASD affects approximately 14% of those who have sustained head trauma and 10% of those who have suffered severe burns.

Effect of Acute Stress Disorder on Daily Lives

While chronic stress is more severe and widespread than acute stress, both can have an impact on our daily lives. Chronic conditions have more severe consequences, but acute illnesses can also reduce our general quality of life. Chronic stress-related health issues can be more serious, but inadequate stress management methods can allow acute stress to have an impact on our well-being as well. Examples include:

i- Weight Gain

Both chronic and acute stress can promote unnecessary weight gain because they alter appetite and digestion. Weight increase or even obesity can lead to further issues such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, hypertension, or diabetes.

ii-Weight Loss

Similarly, losing weight could be a sign of chronic or severe stress. When confronted with stressful conditions, some people lose their appetite or turn to dieting for a sense of control. Eventually, this harmful stress management strategy may result in an eating disorder, excessive weight loss, and irregular menstruation periods.

iii- Stress Management

Many people use booze, tobacco, and other medications to cope with stress. This harmful behavior can result in excessive blood pressure, cancer, and untimely death.

iv-Passive Acute Stress

While chronic stress is more severe and widespread than acute stress, both can have an impact on our daily lives. Chronic conditions have more severe consequences, but acute illnesses can also reduce our general quality of life.

Acute Stress Disorder Treatment

Acute stress is treated by lifestyle modifications and stress management techniques rather than medication or intense treatment. Some treatments for acute stress are:

• Prioritizing exercise is crucial for many Americans due to their sedentary lifestyles. Thirty minutes of exercise every day can improve heart rate, endorphins, and serotonin levels.
• Furthermore, adopting an active lifestyle can significantly lower overall stress and improve one’s ability to manage stress symptoms when they develop.
• Meditation, yoga, and breathwork promote mindfulness and prevent future stress.
• Taking a warm shower, phoning a friend, going for a stroll, or drinking a cup of tea might reduce acute stressors.
• Maintaining stable blood sugar levels and diet helps reduce stress.
• Having a supportive network can reduce stress and anxiety.
• Limiting social media use can reduce stress and overwhelm.
• Caffeinated beverages are designed to wake us up, increase heart rate, and stimulate the senses.
• If you are currently in a heightened level of awareness, such as from stress, stay away from caffeine.

Can Acute Stress Disorder Be Prevented?

You can’t always avoid a traumatic experience. However, evidence suggests that the severity of acute stress disorder symptoms is treatable. The following suggestions can help:

• After a stressful experience, it’s important to feel safe. The support of loved ones and specialists prepared to provide assistance and direction in the aftermath of a traumatic experience.
• Maintaining physical health is crucial after a distressing incident. Prioritizing a good diet, sleep pattern, and participation in physical activity and mindfulness techniques (such as meditation) are all crucial.
• You should avoid using alcohol or other substances as temporary coping strategies.
• Seek emotional assistance from family and friends after experiencing a terrible experience.
• Follow up with your healthcare team. After experiencing a traumatic experience, it is critical to seek treatment from your healthcare physician or mental health professional.

Takeaway

People respond to terrible events in various ways. Often, there are no outward indicators, but people may experience intense emotional reactions. If your symptoms continue and interfere with your daily activities, education or job efficiency, or personal relationships, you should seek expert assistance. Psychologists and mental health specialists can assist individuals in developing stress-management strategies. They can help both children and their parents understand how to deal with the emotional aftermath of a traumatic experience. To mange the stress and seek the professional help, you may reach out to MAVA Behavioral Health.