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Acute stress disorder treatment
May 12, 2008

Find out more stress disorder.Learn how to treat!

Definition
Acute stress disorder (ASD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by a cluster of dissociative and anxiety symptoms occurring within one month of a traumatic event. (Dissociation is a psychological reaction to trauma in which the mind tries to cope by “sealing off” some features of the trauma from conscious awareness). Description Acute stress disorder is a new diagnostic category that was introduced in 1994 to differentiate time-limited reactions to trauma from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Causes and symptoms Acute stress disorder is caused by exposure to trauma, which is defined as a stressor that causes intense fear and, usually, involves threats to life or serious injury to oneself or others. Examples are rape, mugging, combat, natural disasters, etc.
The symptoms of stress disorder include a combining of one or more dissociative and anxiety symptoms with the avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event. Dissociative symptoms include emotional detachment, temporary loss of memory, depersonalization, and derealization.
Anxiety symptoms connected with acute stress disorder include irritability, physical restlessness, sleep problems, inability to concentrate, and being easily startled. Diagnosis Diagnosis of acute stress disorder is based on a combination of the patient’s history and a physical examination to rule out diseases that can cause anxiety. The essential feature is a traumatic event within one month of the onset of symptoms. Other diagnostic criteria include: • The symptoms significantly interfere with normal social or vocational functioning • The symptoms last between two days and four weeks.

Treatment for acute stress disorder usually includes a combination of antidepressant medications and shortterm psychotherapy. Alternative treatment Acupuncture has been recommended as a treatment for acute stress disorder. Some other alternative approaches, including meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga, may be helpful when combined with shortterm psychotherapy.
Homeopathic treatment and the use of herbal medicine and flower essences also can help the person with acute stress disorder rebalance on the physical, mental, and emotional levels. Prognosis The prognosis for recovery is influenced by the severity and duration of the trauma, the patient’s closeness to it, and the patient’s previous level of functioning. Favorable signs include a short time period between the trauma and onset of symptoms, immediate treatment, and appropriate social support.
If the patient’s symptoms are severe enough to interfere with normal life and have lasted longer than one month, the diagnosis may be changed to PTSD. Prevention Traumatic events cannot usually be foreseen and, thus, cannot be prevented.
However, in theory, professional intervention soon after a major trauma might reduce the likelihood or severity of ASD. In addition, some symptoms of acute stress disorder result from biochemical changes in the central nervous system, muscles, and digestive tract that are not subject to conscious control.
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Posted: Monday May 12, 2008, 4:03 am
Tags: for stress treatment disorder acute [add/edit tags]

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Alex R.
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female, age 35,
Cheltenham, PA, USA
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