Acute stress disorder

Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, (2003) by Rebecca J. Frey

Age—Older adults are less likely to develop ASD, possibly because they have had more experience coping with painful or stressful events. Previous exposure—People who were abused or experienced trauma as children are more likely to develop ASD (or PTSD) as adults, because these may produce long-lasting biochemical changes in the central nervous system. Biological vulnerability—Twin studies indicate that certain abnormalities in brain hormone levels and brain structure are inherited, and that these increase a person's susceptibility to ASD following exposure to trauma. Support networks—People who have a network of close friends and relatives are less likely to develop ASD. Perception and interpretation—People who feel inappropriate responsibility for the trauma, regard the event as punishment for personal wrongdoing, or have generally negative or pessimistic worldviews are more likely to develop ASD than those who do not personalize the trauma or are able to maintain a balanced view of life. psychic numbing being dazed or less aware of surroundings derealization depersonalization dissociative amnesia

Other symptoms that indicate ASD are:

Reexperiencing the trauma in recurrent dreams, images, thoughts, illusions, or flashbacks; or intense distress when exposed to reminders of the trauma. A marked tendency to avoid people, places, objects, conversations, and other stimuli reminiscent of the trauma (many people who develop ASD after a traffic accident, for example, refuse to drive a car for a period of time). Hyperarousal or anxiety, including sleep problems, irritability, inability to concentrate, an unusually intense startle response, hypervigilance, and physical restlessness (pacing the floor, fidgeting, etc.). Significantly impaired social functions and/or the inability to do necessary tasks, including seeking help. Symptoms last for a minimum of two days and a maximum of four weeks, and occur within four weeks of the traumatic event. The symptoms are not caused by a substance (medication or drug of abuse) or by a general medical condition; do not meet the criteria of a brief psychotic disorder ; and do not represent the worsening of a mental disorder that the person had before the traumatic event. • the degree of the patient's sleep disturbance • a strong startle reaction • the degree of the patient's social withdrawal • fear or phobia related to the site of the traumatic event