Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
Acute Stress Disorder, commonly known as ASD, is a condition that gets triggered after experiencing or distantly witnessing a traumatic event. This blog discusses what acute stress disorder is and what the difference is between acute stress disorder and PTSD, among other key aspects. Jagruti Rehab Centre is a premium facility that offers the best acute stress disorder treatment. Experts at this acute stress disorder treatment centre interview and analyse various acute stress disorder symptoms. By combining evidence-based therapies with compassionate support, a comprehensive treatment plan is framed. Read on to learn more about the disorder and how to recover from it completely.
What Is Acute Stress Disorder?
Acute Stress Disorder, or psychological shock, is a short-term mental health condition that occurs within a month of a traumatic event. ASD can happen to an individual of any age or gender, as it is a stress response. If not checked at the right time, the disorder can hamper the normal functioning of a person for a period of up to four weeks. The disorder is a premature form of post-traumatic stress disorder wherein a patient is not able to get over a mishap. Behavioural changes include feeling irritable for a long period and feeling disassociated from reality.
What’s the difference between acute stress disorder and PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is also a stress disorder. However, in PTSD, symptoms last longer than 4 weeks, unlike ASD, in which symptoms last less than a month. A person suffering from PTSD experiences flashbacks and memory problems feels detached from families, and is emotionally numb. Statistics and Facts Almost 3.3% of the Indian population is suffering from some kind of anxiety disorder. The number is unfortunately on the rise owing to the prevalence of a fast lifestyle and societal pressures.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Myth 1: Having ASD after a traumatic event is normal, and people heal naturally. Fact 1: No. Having acute stress disorder after a traumatic event is not normal. A mental health expert must be consulted if an individual is not able to forget the details of an event and is emotionally triggered.
Myth 2: Acute stress disorder is always followed by post-traumatic stress disorder. Fact 2: No. If the symptoms are recognised at the right time, PTSD can be prevented. Specific therapy aimed at treating symptoms of ASD can cure a person completely.
Myth 3: ASD is a long-term disorder and a chronic untreatable condition. Fact 3: False. If the treatment starts at the right time, acute stress disorder can be treated very fast; therefore, it is categorised as a short-term condition.
Myth 4: Acute Stress Disorder affects women more than men. Fact 4: False: Acute Stress Disorder can happen to anyone irrespective of their gender. Men and women are equally susceptible to the disorder.
Types of Acute Stress Disorder
Sympathetic ASD: Rapid heartbeat, being hyper-vigilant, and excessive sweating are experienced by a person suffering from a sympathetic nervous system. This response arises because the sympathetic nervous system triggers the fight-or-flight response during times of distress.
Parasympathetic ASD: Slow heart rate, emotional numbness, and withdrawal fatigue are experienced by a patient suffering from parasympathetic ASD. An individual freezes when exposed to a trigger, which delays recovery as the person is not able to process the situation normally.
What Causes Acute Stress Disorder?
Acute Stress Disorder is diagnosed among those people who have either witnessed a traumatic event or experienced one directly. Some of these events or instances can be:
- Witnessing or being part of a life-threatening shooting or an accident.
- Witnessing or being part of an accident or any life-threatening event involving other humans, like a war.
- Living through a natural disaster made an individual realise the magnanimity of nature.
- Abuse also leaves an indelible mark on the human brain. Physical or sexual abuse can cause acute stress to a human.
- Witnessing the death of a loved one or, suddenly, of any human being from a close distance.
People with an avoidant personality, who have a history of psychological disorder, or who have been exposed to a traumatic event in the past are at high risk.
What Are The Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder?
Here is a comprehensive list of acute stress disorder symptoms and common signs experienced by people suffering from ASD:
- Having unwanted memories of the event repeatedly, either when free or while working, is a typical sign of ASD.
- Constantly feeling sad about the event or about the third person involved, even if the patient was not directly a part of the mishap.
- Having a persistent feeling that the surroundings are not real and expecting the event to repeat itself.
- The person feels overly emotional and is not able to concentrate.
- Getting startled easily, having anger outbursts, and facing difficulty sleeping are severe symptoms that can make the functioning of an individual difficult.
What is the treatment for acute stress disorder?
Acute stress disorder treatment starts with diagnosis followed by medication and therapies. Diagnosis
- Acute Stress Disorder is diagnosed through a doctor’s evaluation. Sometimes, patients are exposed to traumatic events to analyse the extent of the problem.
- Exposure to traumatic events reveals a lot about the patient’s health. Mental health experts analyse the patient to check if he or she is hyper-vigilant, irritable, or exhibiting any symptoms of distress.
- Psychiatrists look for at least nine persistent symptoms that last for a month following the event. Professional mental health experts check if the patient is experiencing distressing memories and is feeling overly emotional.
- Physical and emotional reactions are noticed by the psychiatrist to learn about the problem. The patient is interviewed to see if he or she can maintain a positive mindset for a long period. People suffering from ASD generally develop a negative attitude towards life.
- Diagnosis also includes ruling out other possible causes and problems with similar symptoms.
Acute Stress Disorder Treatment
Here is how acute stress disorder treatment goes:
Talk Therapy Talk therapy is a type of psychotherapy for acute stress disorder and is an effective treatment option. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of therapy for people suffering from ASD. Here is how it goes:
- Gradual exposure to trauma-triggering events is given to the patient. Psychiatrists ensure controlled exposure to memories and situations so that the patient does not feel overwhelmed by the procedure.
- Cognitive restructuring is the next step, which starts with identifying negative thoughts. These negative or irrational thoughts are reframed and deconstructed.
- Stress management is the third step of the process. Patients are taught how to minimise physical and emotional reactions to situations. They are made to feel comfortable with their problem to normalise emotional reactions to reduce guilt or shame.
- Patients are counselled to look at the disorder like any other health problem to recover completely. Management of responses and relaxation strategies are focused on.
Medication There is no particular medication that can be prescribed to treat acute stress disorder. However, medicines to manage particular symptoms like insomnia, agitation, anxiety, or mood disorders are prescribed. There is a reduction in severity, which makes a patient feel normal. Drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and benzodiazepines are prescribed along with and according to the therapy sessions. The psychiatrist has to make sure that either treatment is not overpowering for the patient and aligns with the patient’s comfort. Self-Care
- Self-care includes practising mindfulness and taking time off work so that a patient can focus on his or her recovery.
- Meditation and practising mindfulness are a part of the process that adds to the formal treatment. Create a stable routine for yourself, practice mindfulness, and reduce feelings of boredom.
- Avoid alcohol while your treatment is going on so that there are no side effects of medication. Opt for legal support and complete the insurance process to be safe.
- Exercise properly to strengthen your immunity. A healthy body helps in recovering faster. Moreover, it keeps the patient’s mind productively occupied and improves blood flow.
Living with Acute Stress Disorder
- Living with acute stress disorder can be stressful and frustrating. Symptom explanation can be difficult as there is nothing concrete, unlike other physiological problems.
- Flashbacks, uncomfortable memories, and nightmares can hinder the normal functioning of a person. Emotional detachment can hinder relationships and make a patient feel overwhelmed.
- Incorporating stress management techniques enables an individual to cope with these symptoms and lead a normal life.
- Being frank about the symptoms is crucial. Experienced psychiatrists are professionals who need a complete description of the problem and symptoms.
How to Support Loved Ones
- Empathise with them and hold a proper conversation with them. This will help them in sharing their experience and feel confident about their feelings.
- Encourage them to consult professional mental health experts. If not treated at the right time, acute stress disorder worsens to become post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Comfort them and respect their need for space. Do not impose your company on them because treatment completion can be a time-consuming process.
- Be mindful when around them. Make sure you do not expose them to any triggers, as it can hamper recovery. Let the psychiatrist expose the patient to the triggers so that he can manage responses accordingly.
- Encourage them to adopt a healthy lifestyle so that they can seek effective and sustainable treatment.
Jagruti Treatment and Recovery
Acute Stress Disorder Treatment Centres like Jagruti Rehab are highly recommended because
Comprehensive Treatment Programs People seeking help for anxiety disorders like acute stress disorder can opt for in-patient and out-patient treatment plans. If a patient needs help but cannot afford to stay in the facility because of work or financial constraints, outpatient treatment programs are equally thorough. However, if the disorder is at a serious stage, a residential treatment plan is highly recommended.
24/7 Facilities and Nursing Staff Nutritious meals and healthy snacks are available at all times. Religious and cultural factors are taken into consideration by our expert nutritionists when making a diet chart. Cleanliness is maintained and trained nursing staff monitors vitals continuously. Counselling sessions, meditation yoga classes, and therapy programs are planned according to the convenience of the patient.
Access to Technology The best technological tools are used in the facility that aid faster recovery of patients. CCTV cameras and screens in therapy rooms for proper explanation of treatment plans are some of the best facilities provided to patients. Air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms are available for patients.
Experienced Medical Professionals Expert medical health professionals have been empanelled at Jagruti Rehab Centre. They are trained physicians, expert psychologists, and qualified nutritionists who work together to run therapy programs and prescribe appropriate medication to the patient. The aim is faster recovery and prevention of relapse so that the patient can lead a normal life.
Customised Treatment Plans Experts at Jagruti Rehab Centre believe that every patient is different and every case is unique. Therefore, instead of running the same therapy programs for every patient, psychiatrists study each case separately. This enables them to frame a treatment plan that is comfortable for the patient and aids faster recovery.