The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Acute Stress Disorder

Short-term stress reaction following a traumatic event

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Psikiyatri department. Book Appointment →

What is Acute Stress Disorder?

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a trauma-related disorder defined in DSM-5-TR by the presence of specific symptoms lasting from 3 days to 1 month after trauma exposure.

The criteria overlap with PTSD but with a shorter duration, requiring at least nine symptoms from the intrusion, negative mood, dissociative, avoidance, and arousal categories.

It serves as both a distinct diagnosis and a risk indicator: many but not all patients with ASD will later develop PTSD without intervention.

Early psychoeducation, emotional support, and evidence-based therapy improve early recovery and help prevent chronic sequelae.

Symptoms

Intrusive memories, distressing dreams, or flashbacks of the event
Dissociative reactions such as feeling detached, in a daze, or unreal
Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
Negative mood, inability to feel positive emotions, or numbness
Arousal symptoms including hypervigilance, irritability, and sleep disturbance
Difficulty concentrating and exaggerated startle response

Risk Factors

Direct exposure or witnessing of severe trauma (accident, assault, disaster)
Prior psychiatric history, especially anxiety, depression, or PTSD
History of childhood trauma or cumulative life stressors
Limited social support and ongoing threat environment
Female sex and younger age
Severe physical injury associated with the trauma

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Seek evaluation if intense reactions persist more than a few days and interfere with daily life, sleep, or safety.
  • Contact emergency services if the person has suicidal thoughts, severe dissociation, or self-harm.
  • Early mental health contact is especially important for survivors of violence or disaster.

Treatment Methods

01
Psychoeducation about normal stress reactions, course, and self-care
02
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with significant symptoms
03
Practical support including safe environment, sleep regulation, and return to daily routines
04
Short-term medication only if essential (for example, brief sleep support) and with caution regarding benzodiazepines
05
Screening and referral for comorbid substance use or medical injuries
06
Follow-up review at one month to assess progression to PTSD and need for further treatment

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Psikiyatri department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Psikiyatri Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Acute Stress Disorder: Recognition and Early Intervention

Psikiyatri

Acute stress disorder presents with intrusive, dissociative, and avoidant symptoms in the first 3 days to 1 month following trauma exposure, requiring early recognition to prevent progression to PTSD.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Psikiyatri

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive, difficult-to-control worry most days for at least six months, accompanied by physical symptoms such as muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep disturbance that impair daily functioning.

Psychiatric Insomnia and Sleep Disorders

Psikiyatri

Effects of depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders on sleep and their treatment.

Depression

Psikiyatri

What is depression, how does it differ from sadness, and how is it treated?

Anxiety Disorder

Psikiyatri

What is anxiety disorder, how does it differ from normal worry, and how is it overcome?

Panic Attack

Psikiyatri

What is a panic attack, how is this condition — often confused with a heart attack — managed and prevented?

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

Psikiyatri

What is OCD, how are intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors treated?

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Psikiyatri

What is PTSD, how are flashbacks and hyperarousal after trauma treated?

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.