INFORMATION ON ACUTE STRESS DISORDER

Acute stress disorder is a new diagnostic category introduced in 1994 to differentiate time-limited reactions to trauma from post-traumatic stress disorder. Acute stress disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized anxiety symptoms occurring within few days of a traumatic incident.

CAUSES OF ACUTE STRESS DISORDER

Acute stress disorder mainly caused by exposure to traumatic incident like intense fear involves threats to life or serious injury. Examples are rape, mugging, combat, natural disasters, etc.

SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE STRESS DISORDER

The various symptoms that are shown by a person with acute stress disorder are:-

1. Emotional detachment.
2. Temporary loss of memory.
3. Depersonalization.
4. Derealization.
5. Physical restlessness.
6. Sleep problems.
7. Inability to concentrate.

DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE STRESS DISORDER

In order to diagnose acute stress disorder one must go through subject’s medical history and complete physical examination.

One may also go through symptoms that last between two days and four weeks.

TREATMENT OF ACUTE STRESS DISORDER

Treatment for acute stress disorder generally includes combination of antidepressant medicines and short-term psychotherapy.

Acupuncture can also be recommended as a treatment for acute stress disorder. Alternative treatment may include meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga with short-term psychotherapy.