Are you also in a state of shock after a terrible event? Could it be Acute Stress Disorder?

Sometimes in life we ​​have to face terrible, scary events that we never even imagined, right? It's normal to feel a great shock and fear when something like that happens. But sometimes this shock can feel a little too much. Have you had a similar experience? Come on, let's talk about this a little more.

What is Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?

Simply put, Acute Stress Disorder is a short-term state of mental distress that occurs within the first month after experiencing a very severe, traumatic event. You may experience the following:

• Severe Anxiety: Not just fear, but a feeling of great weight and unease.
• Unbearable fear or helplessness: When you remember the event, your heart races, you sweat, and you feel like you can't do anything.
• Flashbacks or nightmares: Feeling as if the event is really happening again, or having nightmares about it.
• Feeling detached from your body and lacking in emotions: Sometimes you may feel like nothing is real, like it's a dream. Or you may not be able to feel emotions like happiness or sadness.
• Avoiding places, things, and people that remind you of the event: You may not want to go to the place where the event happened, talk about it, or meet people involved in it.

Imagine being caught in a sudden flood, or witnessing a serious car accident, or someone harassing you. These are things we call "traumatic events." Here are some examples:

• Natural disasters like hurricanes, fires, and floods .
• Sexual assault or physical assault .
• Severe verbal abuse .
• Seeing someone else get physically hurt or witness a death .
• Serious accidents, like major car accidents .
• Sudden serious injury or sudden severe illness .
• War situations .

This condition (Acute Stress Disorder) can occur in anyone, be it a child, a young person, an adult.

What is the difference between (Acute Stress Disorder) and (PTSD)?

You may have heard of PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder . The main difference between the two is the duration of symptoms. In Acute Stress Disorder , these stress-related symptoms appear within three days to four weeks (one month) after a traumatic event. However, these symptoms last longer than four weeks.If it persists, it may be a condition called PTSD. Simply put, ASD is a response that occurs immediately after a trauma. It can develop into PTSD if it is not properly treated.

What is the difference between (Adjustment Disorder) and (Acute Stress Disorder)?

Adjustment Disorder is also a mental state that occurs in response to a life change or stressful event. However, the difference here is that in Acute Stress Disorder, the event that triggers Adjustment Disorder (e.g., job loss, relationship breakdown) is not as severe as the event that triggers Adjustment Disorder (e.g., sexual assault, major natural disaster). In Adjustment Disorder, the emotional and behavioral symptoms that occur are usually more severe than expected.

How common is Acute Stress Disorder?

Researchers are unsure how common it really is. One reason is that some people don't seek medical attention until symptoms reach the stage of PTSD. According to various studies, the incidence of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) after a traumatic event can range from 6% to 33% . This percentage also varies depending on the nature of the event. For example, people who have survived accidents or natural disasters are less likely to develop ASD. However, people who have experienced violent events (assaults, shootings) are at higher risk of developing ASD.

What are the symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder?

The symptoms of ASD are mainly psychological and behavioral. Some of them are:

• Uncontrollable, distressing memories of the event keep coming back to you, as if the event is playing itself out in your mind over and over again.
• Frequent nightmares, especially ones related to the incident.
• Flashbacks are a feeling of reliving the event. That is, feeling like you are actually there at that time.
• Feeling great pressure or pain in the mind or body when seeing, hearing, or feeling something that reminds you of the event.
• A persistent difficulty in feeling positive emotions like happiness, comfort, and feelings of love. You may simply feel empty and devoid of joy.
• It feels like the surroundings have changed, like you're in a dream, and time is passing slowly.
• Forgetting important parts of the event.
• Trying to avoid painful memories, thoughts, and feelings related to the event.
• Trying to avoid external things (people, places, things) that remind you of the event.
• Sleep disorders. Inability to fall asleep, frequent waking, inability to sleep due to nightmares.
• Irritability or getting angry easily. Getting angry and upset over small things.
• Hypervigilance: Being constantly on the alert for danger (hypervigilance). Being suspicious and fearful of everything.
• Difficulty concentrating. Difficulty completing tasks, reading a book, or remembering things.
• Exaggerated startle reflex, even when faced with a sudden sound or movement.

Imagine, you saw a big accident while walking on the road. After that, you feel afraid to leave the area where the accident happened, you get scared when you hear the sound of traffic, you can't sleep at night, and you dream about the same incident. These are the things that can happen in ASD .

What are the causes of Acute Stress Disorder?

Even when faced with the same type of traumatic event, not everyone reacts the same way. Some people develop ASD, and some don't. It's not yet clear exactly why this happens. One theory is the concept of "fear conditioning." What happens is that your body begins to respond with fear to certain things (stimuli) that are associated with the traumatic event. For example, imagine that you were in a car accident last night. There was a fast food restaurant in your car at the time. Now, if you smell fast food at some point later that night, even though there was no actual accident, your body may react with fear in the same way it did during the accident. That is, you may start to feel anxious and sweaty. Some people adapt to this "fear conditioning." That is, they gradually reduce their response to those fear-inducing stimuli. But if this doesn't happen properly, it can lead to Acute Stress Disorder and possibly even PTSD.

What are the risk factors for developing Acute Stress Disorder?

There are some risk factors that can contribute to the development of ASD. They are:

• Having previous mental health problems (including previous traumatic experiences).
• Catastrophic worry is worrying excessively about things and thinking destructively .
• Having an avoidant coping style .
• Lack of social support (Support system). That means not having anyone to talk to or ask for help when there is a problem.

What are the complications of this condition?

The main complication of Acute Stress Disorder is that it can develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) . If Acute Stress Disorder is not properly treated, PTSD is more likely to develop.

How is Acute Stress Disorder diagnosed?

There is no specific test to diagnose Acute Stress Disorder. A doctor or mental health counselor will diagnose it by talking to you about your symptoms and your medical and mental health history. They will use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) .

What are the treatments for Acute Stress Disorder?

(Acute Stress Disorder)The main treatment for PTSD is psychotherapy , which is a form of talk therapy. A specific form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT ) called Trauma-Focused CBT is very effective. This treatment is delivered by a trained, licensed mental health professional , such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. It provides support, education, and guidance to you and, if necessary, your family. Trauma-Focused CBT involves:

• You will learn about how your body responds to shock and stress.
• You will learn ways to manage symptoms.
• Reframing helps you identify problematic thought patterns and change them.
• Exposure therapy: This involves gradually exposing yourself to the things you fear and avoid in a safe environment. People with Acute Stress Disorder sometimes avoid things and places associated with the traumatic event. Therefore, they don't get a chance to learn how to control their fear when faced with those things. Therapists use this method to encourage people with ASD to gradually face situations that make them anxious , and then practice staying in those situations and coping with them.

Other treatments for Acute Stress Disorder

Although there is not much evidence to support the use of medication for acute stress disorder, there are some medications that may help relieve symptoms of PTSD. For example:

• (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors - SSRIs)
• (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors - SNRIs)

But only a doctor can decide whether or not to give this medicine, and what to give.

Can Acute Stress Disorder be prevented?

We can't prevent a traumatic event from happening. However, research has shown that the intensity of symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder can be managed. These things can help:

• Personal safety: Feeling safe after a traumatic event is very important. Support from loved ones, as well as professionals trained to help after a traumatic event, is very helpful.
• Physical health: It is important to maintain a healthy daily routine after a traumatic event. Prioritize things like a well-balanced diet, good sleep, exercise, and meditation. Avoid using alcohol or other drugs as a temporary relief.
• Emotional support: from family and friends after a traumatic eventIt is essential to get emotional support. If that is not possible, doctors and counselors can provide that support.
• Stay in touch with your medical team: It is important to see your doctor and/or mental health professional for treatment after a traumatic event.

What is the prognosis of Acute Stress Disorder?

The outlook for Acute Stress Disorder varies from person to person. If symptoms are left untreated, further complications are more likely to occur. For example:

• Alcohol and/or drug addiction .
• Other mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression , or panic disorder .
• Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself/others.
• Problems at work and in personal relationships.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988. Or go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.

If I have (Acute Stress Disorder), how do I take care of myself?

In addition to seeking professional treatment for Acute Stress Disorder, you may also benefit from positive activities such as:

• Engaging in exercise to reduce stress. Things like going for a walk or doing yoga.
• Set realistic goals and try to achieve them. Start with small things.
• Spending time with people you trust and educating them about your experience and how you can help them.
• Identifying places and moments that make you feel comfortable and focusing on them.
• Joining a trauma support group is a great way to feel like you're not alone.
• Patience and prioritizing self-care. Remember, symptoms improve gradually, not all at once.

When should I see my doctor?

It is also very important to see your doctor and/or mental health professional regularly after a traumatic event. Talk openly with them about your feelings and your difficulties.

When should I go to the emergency room?

If you are having thoughts of suicide or harming yourself , this is a very serious situation. Call 1990 (ambulance) immediately, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call 988 to connect to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Finally, remember (Take-Home Message)

Seeking professional help after a traumatic event can be difficult. However, (Acute Stress Disorder - ASD)Understand that it is very important to get treatment for your condition. Over time, treatment can help you feel better. Talk to your doctor about treatment options. Remember, they are there to help you, to support you. You are not alone. May you find the strength to get through this!