Differences Between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) vs. PTSD

Do you suffer from acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder? Have you recently witnessed a traumatic experience? Do you know the difference between the two? 

Both acute stress disorder versus PTSD are mental health conditions that develop after witnessing a traumatic event. The only difference between the two is when the symptoms begin.

If you have suffered a traumatizing event in your life, such as divorce, loss of a loved one, car accident, job loss, and health conditions, and are looking for an online telemedicine platform so that you can skip the long queues, contact Therapy Fleet now.

Acute Stress Disorder Versus PTSD

The American Psychiatric Association added ASD to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,  fourth edition, in 1994. Acute stress disorder has similar criteria to PTSD but with a few differences.

For example, the condition occurs in two different time frames. ASD will occur within a month of the traumatizing event. In contrast, PTSD is only diagnosed after 30 days of the traumatic event.

Both conditions have many similar symptoms, but for PTSD diagnosis, you need a broader range of symptoms. 

Let’s keep reading to find out how acute stress disorder versus PTSD differs, what are the potential causes and how to get help from mental health professionals.

Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder Versus PTSD

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of PTSD fit into four categories:

1. Re-experiencing the Traumatic Event

it is also known as intrusion; look out for the following symptoms in the patient;

• nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Intrusive thoughts
• Losing awareness of the surroundings
• Panic attacks
• Occurring physical reactions when thinking about the traumatizing event

2. Avoidance

The second classification of PTSD is avoidance. In this, the individual will avoid reminders of the event. People usually stay away from places or people that remind them of the trauma.

3. Changes in Thoughts and Mood

People who have post-traumatic stress disorder have a different outlook on life, which can cause the following;

• guilt, shame, and self-blaming
• Negative thoughts about life
• Loneliness and isolation
• Unable to remember specific details about
• Unable to feel happy or pleasure

4. Reactivity and Arousal

Arousal simply means your body’s response to stress, which is the fight, flight and freeze response. People suffering from reactivity and arousal may notice the following;

• Easily startled
• Feeling irritable and annoyed
• Experiencing hyper vigilance
• Aggressive and angry
• Having difficulty sleeping or concentrating

Symptoms of ASD (Acute Stress Disorder)

Acute stress disorder consists of reactions of intense emotional and physical trauma. It is diagnosed before post-traumatic stress disorder. Some symptoms of ASD are;

• Feeling of dissociation
• Anxiety disorders- sometimes, experiencing anxiety leads to anxiety vomiting
• Detachments from the surroundings
• Numb feelings
• Derealization and depersonalization
• Dissociative amnesia

As per the DSM-5-TR, you need at least nine symptoms for the diagnosis of acute stress disorder. 

Plus, the duration of the symptoms should be < 30 days. However, if symptoms persist after 30 days, the healthcare providers are likely to diagnose it as PTSD. 

Did you know that the American Psychological Association created ASD as a diagnosis because, when treated on time, it prevents the formation of PTSD?  Finding the right treatment plan immediately after the traumatic event can prevent PTSD.  

The APA created the diagnosis to help identify when people had a higher chance of developing PTSD after a traumatic event so they could access support and treatment sooner. However, some people were hesitant and asked if ASD meant PTSD. So, the experts conducted research, and this is what they found.

Nevertheless, the experts also found a definitive link between ASD and the following;

• High chances of developing heart conditions
• Rehospitalization
• More pain after injuries
• And comorbid mental health disorders.

ASD and PTSD are both mentally draining disorders. However, immediate treatment decreases the likelihood of PTSD.

Causes of Acute Stress Disorder vs PTSD

ASD and PTSD are responses to the following;

• Witnessing the death of a loved one
• Near-death experience
• Witnessing a natural disaster
• Prolonged life-threatening diseases
• Sexual assault victims
• Experiencing violence.

That being said, traumatizing events are not the only reasons for the development of ASD vs. PTSD. Studies suggest that only 1 to 37% of people have PTSD after living through a traumatic event.

Factors That Aids in Developing Acute Stress Disorder vs. PTSD

Some factors that aid in ASD or PTSD are;

• History of childhood abuse
• Co-existing mental health disorder
• People having higher scores in neuroticism personality type
• People who live their lives avoiding traumatic thoughts rather than dealing with it

Remember, not all traumatic events will lead to acute stress disorder Vs. PTSD. But, 2017 research shows a link between direct violence and sexual assault and the development of PTSD.

Another 2018 research shows that the type of trauma matters when it comes to any trauma-related condition. Acute stress disorder and PTSD cannot co-occur at the same time, but every 1 in 2 people with ASD develops PTSD. 

Also, several experts came up with a theory that individuals going through dissociative symptoms increase the chances of PTSD.

How to Get a Diagnosis for Acute Stress Disorder vs. PTSD

Your mental healthcare professional will diagnose either acute stress disorder or PTSD when you first visit them with symptoms like an increased heart rate and insomnia. They will ask questions about what led to this condition. The diagnostic criteria will look for symptoms listed in DSM-5-TR to diagnose ASD or PTSD. 

The doctor will ask the following questions;

• More about the traumatic events
• The time frame when it occurred
• And the symptoms you are experiencing

Various screening tools such as questionnaires like the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire SASRQ and PTSD checklist for DSM-5 PCL-5 will be used.

Treatment Plan for Acute Stress Disorder vs PTSD

The main aim of the treatment plan here is to help the patients through the trauma process. Both ASD and PTSD have some specific aspects. Let’s look at them now;

ASD Treatment

ASD occurs immediately after the traumatic event. Thus, the treatment plan deals with individuals’ mental health and offers emergency support. The following are the first-month treatment options;

Since the traumatic event is still fresh in their minds, psychotherapy is the first treatment option.

1. The psychiatrist or psychologist will talk with the patient to assess their feelings and responsiveness. 
2. Next, trauma-focused CBT, or exposure therapy, to prevent the onset of PTSD.
3. Finally, a sleeping pill like Xanax, Ramelton, or Mirtazapine will probably help the patient sleep at night.
4. There are no antidepressants, SSRIs, or SNRIs prescribed to the patient at this stage.
5. If your doctor prescribed Xanax for sleep, check out how to take alprazolam for sleep. If you do not want to visit a doctor, you can read how to get Xanax prescribed online.

Treating PTSD

PTSD  treatment includes trauma-focused interventions that address the traumatizing memories of the individual. These interventions are combined with approaches to address the symptoms responsible for the condition. Some examples include.

1. Some examples of trauma-focused interventions are cognitive processing therapy, exposure therapy, somatic experiencing, and EMDR.
2. These will be combined with interpersonal therapy, medications, and other relaxation techniques. Along with stress, inoculation therapy will address the symptoms of PTSD.
3. Medications like SSRIs or SNRIs are prescribed to combat feelings of depression and anxiety. Some common SSRIs are Zoloft and Lexapro for anxiety, but doctors can even prescribe Ativan or  Xanax.

The Bottom Line

Sometimes traumatizing events lead to mental health disorders like PTSD versus acute stress disorder. Living with this condition is difficult because symptoms like intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and sleep problems occur.

However, with help, healing is possible. Contact a healthcare provider and discuss your concerns. They are the ones who can find the key differences between the two. There are many risk factors if ASD or PTSD is not treated on time. Get professional help now!

Expert medical advice, along with emotional and practical support, therapies, and medications, have helped many people recover from post-traumatic stress disorder and ASD.

If treated on time, acute stress stress disorder does not convert into post-traumatic stress disorder. The only thing required is early intervention to release the significant distress from the stressful event on time, which will improve the quality of life. However, if ASD converts into PTSD and all other anxiety medications like Wellbutrin, etc, fail, then gabapentin or Clonidine are prescribed. Read common signs Wellbutrin is working for you.

Remember, seeking help early can turn struggles into strength. You have the power to heal.

FAQs

1. Is Acute Stress Considered a Mental Illness?

Yes, ASD is a mental health condition that happens immediately after a traumatizing event. The symptoms are similar to PTSD symptoms. However, for ASD to change into PTSD, the symptoms should be present for more than one month.

2. Acute Stress Disorder Versus PTSD. What’s the Main Difference?

When ASD is not treated on time, it changes into post-traumatic stress disorder after a month of having the physical symptoms.

3. Is There Research That Proves That Acute Stress Disorder Changes Into PTSD?

Yes, reports have found that about 80% of people with ASD symptoms have the symptoms of PTSD after six months.

4. Who is at Risk for Acute Stress Disorder?

ASD is a common mental health condition that occurs in people all around the world. People who are at jobs that expose them to traumatizing events like doctors, medical emergencies, fire brigade, ambulance attendants, et cetera. Since these people see traumatizing events more often, they are more at risk for developing acute stress disorders