Acute stress disorder

Acute stress is the most common form of stress. It's caused by the demands and pressures of the recent past or near future -- a fast run down a challenging ski slope, for example. Acute stress is short-term and highly manageable.

A person who witnesses a traumatic event may develop acute stress disorder. Symptoms of acute stress disorder can resemble post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but they don't last as long. The likelihood of developing acute stress disorder depends on the severity of the traumatic event and the degree of exposure to the event.


Symptoms
With acute stress disorder, the response to the traumatic event occurs within four weeks and may be accompanied by feelings of intense fear and helplessness or horror.
Symptoms last at least two days, but not longer than four weeks. (Symptoms lasting longer than four weeks may indicate PTSD.)

Symptoms may include:

sleep disturbances, such as nightmares or night terrors
difficulty experiencing pleasure
guilt about returning to routine daily activities
difficulty recalling certain aspects of the trauma
flashbacks, recurrent memories, illusions or other thoughts about the traumatic event
lack of awareness about your surroundings, as if you're in a daze
a sense of being out of your body as an observer of the scene
Some people who have acute stress disorder become emotionally numb or unresponsive. You may avoid reminders of the trauma, such as certain people or places. You might also feel detached or estranged from others, leading to social isolation or withdrawal from usual activities.

Children who have acute stress disorder may be afraid to go to school. Their grades may suffer, and they may drop out of usual activities -- especially those associated with the stress or trauma. Many children have distressing dreams of the event, which may become generalized nightmares of monsters, rescuing others, or experiencing threats to themselves or others. Physical symptoms such as stomachaches and headaches may also occur.


Coping strategies
Crisis intervention and psychological support shortly after a traumatic event can help minimize the potential effects of the event. Individual counseling with a therapist experienced with acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder can be helpful. Sometimes, group or family counseling may be appropriate as well.
Support groups for people impacted by trauma can help you connect with others who've had similar experiences. Learning stress management, deep breathing or guided imagery techniques may help manage the symptoms of acute stress disorder. Aerobic exercise can also be helpful.

It's best to avoid caffeine, alcohol, stimulants and any illegal drugs. In some cases, medication may be prescribed for a limited period of time. Be careful, however. Antianxiety medications, such as benzodiazapenes, may be habit-forming.