Acute stress reaction

• Definition:

  • A transient disorder lasting hours or days that may occur in an individual as an immediate response to exceptional stress
  • The stressor usually involves severe threat to the security or physical integrity of the individual or loved person
• Symptoms:

  • Tend to be mixed/changeable, with an initial state of daze followed by depression, anxiety, anger or despair
  • Social withdrawal
  • Narrowed attention
  • Disorientation
  • Aggression
  • Hopelessness
  • Excessive grief
• Management:

  • No specific treatment needed
  • Ensure other needs are addressed e.g. safety and social support
  • Once the stressor is removed, symptoms usually resolve within a few hours
  • If the stress continues, symptoms tend to resolve within 3 days