What is Acute Stress Disorder

Acute Stress Disorder occurs in people who experience stress or trauma. Though ASD happens to those who do not have psychiatric disorder, its effect is dissociative. ASD is described to cause individuals to be anxious, numb or detached after experiencing an intense traumatic event. Fortunately, ASD is not permanent and symptoms usually manifest within minutes of the incident and can last up to 3 days.

What causes Acute Stress Disorder?

• The person witnessed or experienced an occurrence, which involved actual or threatened death, serious injury or a threat to self or others.

• The person's reaction involved extreme fear, horror or helplessness, which caused trauma.

• The person has a sudden change in social circumstances, such as death in a family.

In most cases, the person is attached to the traumatic event so that they can be trapped in emotion and fear that causes them to be unconscious of what's going on around them. They may find it difficult to concentrate on normal activities, which cause them to be unable to function. People who develop ASD will be uncomfortable and unresponsive, they feel detached from reality and are unwilling to listen to other people. They also get easily irritated with random things. This is especially noticeable when they interact with something that is related to the past trauma.

How to spot ASD?

1. The person suddenly becomes numb, irresponsive and detached.

2. Being dazed or unaware of their surroundings

3. Dissociative amnesia - cannot recall an important part of the trauma

4. A sense of not being real or realistic

5. Avoidance or denial of a related stimuli

6. Anxiety

7. Poor concentration

8. Restlessness

9. Sleep disorder

10. Nightmares, Illusions and hallucinations

ASD may not be permanent, but can be a prelude to psychiatric disorders if not addressed properly. If left untreated, ASD can greatly affect the individual's belief and meaning system. The main methods in treating ASD are through Psychotherapy and Medication.

There are different forms of psychotherapy that can be effective in treating acute stress disorder, depending on how the individuals react to such. This includes - Cognitive behavioral therapy, Psychoeducational therapy, Support groups (which involves group and family) and psychological debriefing.

There were studies conducted on the effectiveness of medication for ASD, however, studies are still limited and are not yet proven. Currently, antidepressants may be prescribed to individuals where ASD may develop into posttraumatic stress disorder. Other medications that may be given to individuals with ASD are remedies for anxiety, insomnia or hyperarousal.


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PS Counselling are qualified psychologists in Hawthorn, Victoria specialising in working with adolescents and adults who have experienced early childhood trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, depression and anxiety. Find out more about Depression and Anxiety (http://www.pscounselling.com.au/adults/depression )


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