5 Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and 4 Effective Therapies that Work

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is an intense, short-term psychological response to a traumatic event. Unlike post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can persist for months or even years, ASD typically occurs within the first month following the trauma and lasts for a period ranging from 3 days to 1 month. If symptoms persist beyond a month, the diagnosis may shift to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Key Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

Your Path to Healing and Growth

Trauma Exposure

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This can include life-threatening situations, serious injury, or sexual violation. It can also result from learning about a traumatic event that affected a close family member or friend, or from repeated exposure to distressing details of such events, as experienced by first responders or law enforcement officers.

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) manifests through a variety of symptoms which can be grouped into the following 5 categories:

  1. Intrusion Symptoms
    • Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event.
    • Distressing dreams related to the trauma.
    • Flashbacks, where individuals feel or act as if the traumatic event is recurring.
    • Intense psychological or physiological distress when reminded of the trauma.
  2. Negative Mood
    • Persistent inability to experience positive emotions such as happiness, satisfaction, or love.
  3. Dissociative Symptoms
    • An altered sense of reality, feeling in a daze, or experiencing time as slowed.
    • Inability to remember important aspects of the traumatic event.
  4. Avoidance Symptoms
    • Efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings associated with the trauma.
    • Avoidance of external reminders such as people, places, conversations, or activities linked to the traumatic event.
  5. Arousal Symptoms
    • Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling or staying asleep.
    • Irritable behavior and angry outbursts.
    • Hypervigilance and heightened startle response.
    • Problems with concentration.

4 Proven Therapies For Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

     Understanding and Normalizing Reactions

It helps individuals understand that their reactions to the trauma are normal responses to an abnormal situation. This involves educating patients about the stress response and the commonality of their symptoms.

Cognitive Restructuring

It helps patients identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma. By restructuring these thoughts, individuals can reduce feelings of guilt, shame, and fear, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Exposure Therapy

A critical component of TF-CBT is gradually exposing patients to memories or reminders of the traumatic event in a safe and controlled environment. This process helps desensitize individuals to the distressful triggers associated with these memories. This allows them to process and integrate the trauma more effectively.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Reprocessing Traumatic Memories

EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that involves the use of bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements) while recalling traumatic memories. This technique helps with the reprocessing and integration of traumatic experiences to reduce their emotional charge and alleviate the associated symptoms.

Building Resilience

EMDR focuses on past trauma and helps individuals to build resilience by addressing present triggers and future fears. This empowers them to handle distressing memories and current stressors more effectively.

  • Psychodynamic Therapy

    Exploring Underlying Issues

    Psychodynamic therapy attempts to gain access to the unconscious mind to uncover unresolved conflicts and past experiences that may be contributing to current symptoms. This approach helps with insight into the root causes of distress and the development of healthier patterns of behavior and thought. This approach also assists with creating self-awareness and understanding on how the past influences present behaviors.

    Emotional Expression

    Encouraging the expression of emotions and exploring their origins can be profoundly healing. Psychodynamic therapy provides a safe space for individuals to process their feelings and develop a deeper understanding of their emotional responses.

    • Supportive Therapy

    Providing a Safe Haven

    Supportive therapy focuses on creating a nurturing and empathetic environment – one where individuals can feel safe to express their emotions and share their experiences. This therapeutic relationship can be immensely comforting and validating for those dealing with Acute Stress Disorder.

    Practical Support and Coping Strategies

    Supportive therapy also involves practical guidance on coping strategies, stress management techniques, and self-care practices. These can help individuals to regain a sense of control and stability in their lives.

    Conclusion

    Acute Stress Disorder can be complex and challenging. However, with appropriate therapeutic intervention, individuals can progressively recover and attain healing. The first step in this process is a good understanding of the process, and the next is access of therapy methods that work, examples of which include cognitive-behavioral techniques, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, or supportive counseling.

    Do not hesitate to reach out to us by booking an appointment to speak to a therapist if you feel any of these signs.

    This article was written by Dr. Olalekan Kolawole, MBBS, and reviewed by Dr. Judi Amberg Psy.D