PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) are mental health disorders that can develop following traumatic events. They are anxiety disorders and have a very similar range of symptoms. The events that cause ASD or PTSD include abuse, death, about violence, or an event that threatens one’s core emotional and physical needs. One doesn’t need to be at the center of these events to experience PTSD or ASD but one can also be a witness to any of these stressors affecting people.
Difference Between PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder
Here we’ll get to know the difference between PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder and their symptoms and treatment.
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
Acute Stress Disorder is a short-term mental health illness that shows symptoms that occur after a traumatic incident and last for a shorter duration as compared to PTSD. Symptoms must be troublesome in several aspects of an individual’s life to qualify as acute stress disorder.
Early intervention is the key as people suffering from acute stress disorder are at a high risk of developing PTSD. Early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent or minimize the development of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a life-changing and severe illness. This disorder develops at least 30 days after experiencing a traumatic event. To be diagnosed with PTSD the symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder must continue for at least a month following a traumatic event. PTSD affects many areas of the individual’s life including the way they interact with the world professionally, socially, and their self-sense. PTSD should be properly treated by respective healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of ASD and PTSD
Both PTSD and acute stress disorder have the same range of symptoms according to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition also known as DSM-5. The only key difference between both of them is the onset and duration of symptoms.
Below is a list of commonly occurring symptoms as listed in the DSM-5.
- The person re-experiences unwanted images of the traumatic events, flashbacks, upsetting memories, nightmares, or physical reactivities as reminders of the traumatic event.
- The individual had direct exposure to trauma, learned that a direct friend was subject to trauma, witnessed the trauma, or had indirect exposure to trauma.
- Extremely pessimistic beliefs, negative thoughts, or presumptions about oneself or the world.
- Having at least 2 of the following negative feelings that began the traumatic incident.
- Negative affect
- Less joy or motivation
- Feeling of loneliness
- Struggling to experience positivity
- Destructive behaviour
- Difficulty sleeping
- Hypervigilance
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Heightened startle reaction
Causes of PTSD & Acute Stress Disorder
PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder are ways in which the mind reacts to traumatic or life-threatening events. Many people can experience such events and not develop PTSD or ASD. Whenever you witness any event that is fatal, your body’s alarm system turns on to indicate that your body is in danger.
When this happens our body releases stress hormones, more blood is pumped into the heart and we become more alert. All the functions of the body that are not necessary for the fight or flight situation are bypassed so that our body can focus on dealing with the danger.
Cortisol levels are boosted until the danger is over. When the threat is over, the body should automatically put the brakes on by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system to relax. This causes the cortisol and adrenaline levels to get back to normal.
Sadly, in some cases even when the incident is over the body still maintains the stress response. This could lead to the development of PTSD or acute stress disorder. This is the major cause of people developing ASD or PTSD after a traumatic event.
Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD
Both PTSD and ASD are anxiety disorders that can be treated by psychological therapies and medications. To get rid of anxiety disorders some medications are used to treat such conditions including:
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Mood Stabilizers
The recommended medications are Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which is a type of antidepressant. It may help to relieve some symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, etc.
The individual must consult a healthcare professional to get the most effective treatment possible. Usually, a person who has experienced a traumatic event tends to naturally process the incident in around 4 to 12 weeks. However, if the individual shows the symptoms of ASD it must be treated effectively so that his/her condition doesn’t worsen and they do not develop PTSD.
Can One Have PTSD & ASD at the Same Time?
One cannot have both ASD and PTSD at the same time. If the symptoms persist for over 28 days, then the ASD will turn into PTSD.
Research shows that 80% of the people who have ASD are likely to develop PTSD. Also, 4-13% of individuals who do not experience ASD can still develop PTSD later in their life.
Conclusion
Traumatic events lead to the development of PTSD and ASD. These cause intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, sleep problems, etc., but that doesn’t mean that healing is not possible. Therapy, medications, and emotional support may help people recover from ASD or PTSD. It might also relieve the symptoms of ASD which would help prevent it from developing into PTSD. So hope this article helped you to know about the differences of PTSD vs Acute Stress Disorder and their treatment.
Moreover, it’s always recommended to consult a licensed healthcare professional to help you get the best and most effective treatment possible.
