How to Treat Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

When a person experiences extreme, disturbing or unexpected fear, stress or pain; that involves serious injury to themselves or to their loved ones, they are at risk of developing Acute Stress Disorder or ASD. This disorder generally affects the individual for a short term as opposed to anxiety disorders that last longer. However, treatment is still necessary to prevent long term suffering. If left untreated, acute stress disorder could cause the individual's belief system to fail.

How to treat ASD?

• Diagnose the disorder - The disorder is characterized by the onset of complex anxiety, therefore you should avoid reminders of the trauma. Proper treatment will be decided by proper diagnosis.

• Medication - This treatment involves anti-depressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or tricyclic antidepressants. The medications are used for individuals with ASD and the medicine targets the symptoms like panic symptoms, insomnia or nightmares. Though this type of treatment has received positive feedback, specific medication is determined by the severity of the condition.

• Psychotherapy - There are many techniques on treating acute stress disorder that are very effective when applied based on the cause of the trauma.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - This therapy prevents the development of posttraumatic stress disorder. This form of therapy focuses mainly on changing the dysfunctional cognitions developed in relation to the trauma and modifying behaviors engaged in during anxiety-provoking situations.

1. Psycho educational Therapy - This form of therapy combines cognitive restructuring with exposure techniques and anxiety management methods to lessen the symptoms.

2. Supportive Therapies - This include group and family therapy to create a safe, warm and caring environment where the patient and the group members are comfortable to share their experience and receive support.

3. Psychological Debriefing - This is a psychological technique to treat ASD, that reduces the potential harm caused by the trauma. The debriefing includes informing the patient about what they experienced and allowing them to talk about it.

4. Psychologist - The most effective treatment of acute stress disorder is consultation with a Psychologist. The Psychologist then conduct some tests on the patient in order to make the diagnosis properly. The professional psychologist will teach and give techniques on how to move on with life.

Not every treatment works for every patient. To keep track of what is working for you, it is best to keep a journal of your daily emotional path. Note which medications or herbs you are taking, at what times you are taking them and how you feel during the day, including emotional triggers and lulls. Your therapist can interpret these notes to help you cope using customized therapy.


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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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