Acute stress disorder

• Overview:

  • Clear overlap with acute stress reaction
  • Greater emphasis on dissociative symptoms
  • Onset within 4 weeks
  • Lasts 3 days to 4 weeks
  • If symptoms persist after 4 weeks - diagnosis changes to PTSD
• Symptoms:

  • Similar to PTSD
  • Re-experience of events (intrusion)
  • Avoidance
  • Negative mood
  • Hyperarousal (but lasting no more than 4 weeks)
• Management:

  • Simple practical measures e.g. support and advice regarding police measures
  • Psychological - CBT (preferably trauma focused)
  • Evidence is lacking for efficacy of medications in the management of acute stress disorder
  • Benzodiazepines may be used for the short term relief of severe anxiety