Content warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention substance use-related topics that could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Support is available 24/7. Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.
Acute stress disorder vs. post-traumatic stress disorder: These are related mental health conditions that tend to manifest as similar symptoms. However, these symptoms may occur on different timelines and may require different slightly different forms of treatment. Here, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as the treatment approaches available for both conditions.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can sometimes develop in an individual who is exposed to a highly distressing and/or life-threatening event. Some examples include a natural disaster, terrorist attack, serious accident, or assault. Cases of ongoing trauma such as abuse or war can result in complex PTSD, or c-PTSD. Symptoms of both are usually similar, though c-PTSD symptoms can be more intense.
If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
The psychological responses to traumatic events like these can be diverse, affecting each individual in unique ways. To potentially receive a PTSD diagnosis, a person must meet diagnostic criteria across the following eight categories per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V):
They experienced, witnessed, or received news of a traumatic event.
They relive the experience persistently, such as through flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional responses to memories.
They exhibit avoidance symptoms of trauma-related feelings and memories.
They have negative feelings or thoughts after the trauma as evidenced by at least two symptoms, such as negative affect, an inability to remember details of the event, and a tendency to blame self or others.
They experience trauma-related hyperarousal symptoms as a result of the stress response as evidenced by at least two signs, such as having an exaggerated startle response, concentration difficulties, irritability, sleep difficulties or sleep disturbances, hypervigilance, and risky behavior.
The symptoms last for more than one month.
The symptoms cause the person distress or functional impairment at work or in social situations.
The symptoms are not the result of substance use, medication, or another illness.
To identify these symptoms in an individual, a mental health professional may conduct an informal interview about the basics of the potentially traumatic events they experienced. Or, they might guide the client through a trauma screening questionnaire about their symptoms.
Getty/Sarah Waiswa
What is acute stress disorder (ASD)?
Like PTSD, acute stress disorder (ASD) is a psychological condition characterized by significant distress that arises after experiencing, witnessing, or receiving news of a traumatic or life-threatening event.
In order for a diagnosis of ASD to be considered, the DSM-V requires that a person experience at least nine symptoms across the five categories of negative mood, intrusion, persistent avoidance, disassociation, and arousal. Symptoms of ASD may be temporary—but if they’re not addressed, ASD can turn into PTSD and cause longer-term challenges.
Acute stress disorder symptoms must occur within the first month after a traumatic event and must last no longer than 30 days. ASD typically represents an immediate and short-term reaction to the trauma. This is one of the key differences between ASD and PTSD, which we’ll explore below.
ASD and PTSD: Key similarities
Understanding the connections between post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder may help licensed mental health professionals serve client needs more effectively. It can also help individuals understand when it may be time to seek treatment for any symptoms they might be experiencing.
Both of these conditions were classified as anxiety disorders in the DSM-IV but are now classified as trauma- and stressor-related disorders in the DSM-V. Both have a common origin: the experience, witnessing, or hearing of a traumatic event. PTSD and ASD also can cause similar symptoms, such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, dissociative symptoms, avoidance behaviors, and increased arousal.
One of the key distinctions between acute stress disorder and PTSD, however, is the time frame. ASD symptoms occur within a month of a traumatic event and must last at least three days but less than one month in order for a person to potentially receive a diagnosis. On the other hand, a PTSD diagnosis is made at least 30 days after a traumatic event. In fact, symptoms may begin months or even years following such an event, and they must last for more than one month.
Acute stress disorder vs. PTSD: Key differences
Because of the difference in the timing of symptoms, ASD treatments and PTSD treatments may vary slightly. PTSD is often treated with trauma-focused CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, cognitive therapy, or prolonged exposure therapy. These are the modalities strongly recommended for PTSD by the American Psychological Association (APA).
The APA also conditionally recommends three other forms of psychotherapy for PTSD: brief eclectic psychotherapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and narrative exposure therapy. Some individuals may also be prescribed medication for PTSD treatment in conjunction with therapy to help manage symptoms.
Again, ASD tends to occur shortly after a traumatic event. That means treatment may involve any necessary assistance in the immediate aftermath, such as providing emergency medical care and ensuring a person has connections to food and shelter, if applicable.
The main therapeutic modalities that may be recommended to treat symptoms of an ASD diagnosis after that also include CBT and exposure therapy. Some individuals may be prescribed short-term medication as well to help with sleep problems following a recent prior trauma.
Seeking support after a traumatic event or for symptoms of mental disorders
Processing a traumatic experience and coping with any effects can be difficult to do on one’s own. In fact, seeking social support by talking it out with friends or family may be a resilience factor against developing PTSD, with lack of social support being a potential risk factor.
If you experience symptoms of ASD, it can also be crucial to seek professional support, as early treatment might prevent it from evolving into PTSD. If you experience symptoms of PTSD, getting treatment may also be critical. The signs typically won’t go away on their own, and substance misuse for emotional numbing and having suicidal thoughts are two of the potentially severe symptoms that could develop in an individual with PTSD, particularly without treatment.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7.
If you’re interested in trying therapy to engage in psychological debriefing and to process trauma but find that your symptoms make it difficult to leave home, you might consider online therapy instead. With an online therapy service like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist and meet with them via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging from the comfort of home or anywhere with an internet connection. Research suggests that internet-based CBT in particular can be effective for treating a variety of mental health conditions, from PTSD to social anxiety disorder.
Takeaway
PTSD and ASD are two related conditions with similar causes and symptoms but different timelines. ASD symptoms usually manifest shortly after experiencing, witnessing, or hearing of a traumatic event like a natural disaster or a serious accident, and they last less than one month. PTSD symptoms may manifest weeks, months, or years after a traumatic event and last more than a month. To diagnose ASD or PTSD, an evaluation from a licensed mental health professional is generally required. Treatment for both usually consists of some form of talk therapy, sometimes in combination with medication.
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.
What is the difference between acute stress disorder and PTSD?
Acute stress disorder (ASD) and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) can occur as responses to traumatic events. However, the timing and duration of the symptoms set them apart. ASD typically occurs immediately after the trauma and can last from three days to up to one month. PTSD, as defined by the American Psychiatric Association, occurs when symptoms persist for more than a month and can develop if ASD is not properly addressed. Symptoms of PTSD are typically characterized by prolonged trauma arousal, avoidance behaviors, and changes in overall mood.
What are the similarities between PTSD and ASD?
PTSD and ASD show similar symptoms, such as a persistent state of alertness, intrusive memories, and avoidance of reminders of the trauma. Both conditions can develop after similar experiences, such as physical violence, sexual assault, and serious accidents. Trauma survivors may experience similar patterns of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse with either disorder.
Does acute stress disorder turn into PTSD?
Acute stress disorder can turn into PTSD if symptoms persist beyond a month. It's estimated that over 80% of those with ASD develop PTSD in six months, especially if they do not receive effective treatment. Because the presence of ASD immediately after a traumatic event can help predict PTSD, seeking treatment early for ASD can be key.
What are some symptoms of acute stress?
Symptoms of acute stress disorder include distressing memories or dreams linked to the trauma, actively avoiding distressing memories or reminders of the event, increased anxiety or heightened alertness, and sometimes dissociation. These symptoms experienced are often a direct result of exposure to the trauma and typically occur shortly after the event.
Can PTSD mimic ASD?
Yes, in their early stages, PTSD symptoms can mimic those of ASD because both conditions often develop as a response to a traumatic event and show similar clinical features. However, the two can be distinguished by the time frame of the symptoms; PTSD is diagnosed after symptoms have persisted for over a month, while ASD is diagnosed within the first month following an event.
Am I autistic, or do I have PTSD?
Autism is a developmental disorder typically recognized in early childhood and characterized by problems with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. PTSD, on the other hand, can develop at any age following a traumatic event. If you're experiencing trauma-related symptoms like flashbacks or anxiety, it might be PTSD. However, a healthcare professional can provide a clear diagnosis after a complete evaluation.
What medication is used for acute stress disorder?
Medication for acute stress disorder can include anti-anxiety medications and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While these medications can help manage distress and other symptoms, no treatment can eliminate symptoms overnight. However, a healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment to alleviate specific symptoms.
How do you help someone with acute stress disorder?
You can help someone with acute stress disorder by encouraging them to seek professional treatment and offering emotional support. You can also help them find treatment options and offer a supportive environment for managing distress. Try to be patient and understanding as they work through the distress and negative effects of ASD.
How is acute stress disorder diagnosed?
Acute stress disorder is diagnosed by a mental health professional through a clinical assessment. A licensed professional may evaluate the symptoms, such as dissociation, avoidance, and increased arousal, within a month of the incident. They may also determine whether there is exposure to a traumatic event or risk factors for developing ASD.
What can PTSD be mistaken for?
PTSD can be mistaken for other conditions due to overlapping symptoms. Conditions such as acute stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse disorders can have similar symptoms to PTSD. In addition, the delayed onset of PTSD symptoms can sometimes complicate the diagnosis, which may cause confusion with other mental health problems.
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Search
Get the support you need from one of our therapistsGet started