![]() In some cases, alcohol or drug abuse may persist after the designated time period for acute stress disorder (Stein and Moriarty, 2013). Substance use after experiencing trauma is extremely common. Impulsive and reckless behaviors, such as gambling, substance abuse and dangerous driving may occur (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Nightmares and sleep problems can further mood problems and lead to being less focused and pervasively tired. Avoidance behaviors may lead to being late for work and appointments, or missing them altogether. This can create problems in romantic relationships. The DSM-5 explains that the depressive mood associated with acute stress disorder can cause patients to have difficulty feeling joy, happiness satisfaction or sexual arousal. Social Consequences of Acute Stress DisorderĪcute stress disorder affects every area of the patient’s life. Children may also be poorly behaved, whiny or demand more attention than usual (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Emotional symptoms include nervousness, fear, clinging to caregivers, irritability and withdrawn mood (Foa, 2009). Children also tend to experience physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches and vague pain. Additionally, children may experience nightmares, often with no memory of the content (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The DSM-5 explains that in children, symptoms of acute stress disorder may manifest through play, where themes related to the trauma may emerge. Additionally, the DSM-5 explains that physical symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness and sensitivity to light or sound may occur, even without injury (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Hyper vigilance, problems with concentration and exaggerated startle response are also common. For example, believing that a plane crash could have been prevented had the patient done something differently. Additionally, the patient may have unrealistic feelings or beliefs about the event. They may feel depressed, anxious, angry or guilty and unable to feel happy. In addition to these intrusive symptoms, patients experience a negative mood. Many patients avoid external reminders, such as places or people related to the traumatic event. Conversely, the patient may “block out” or be unable to remember parts or the entire traumatic event. The patient may also experience flashbacks or distress when exposed to triggers of the traumatic event. Distressing dreams about the trauma and general sleep disturbances are also common. Individuals with acute stress disorder experience intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event. When crisis intervention is unavailable, acceptance and commitment therapy is an effective therapeutic intervention. Outcomes of acute stress disorder are best when the victim has access to immediate crisis management therapy. Acute stress disorder can also result from hearing about the violent or accidental trauma of a loved one, or repeated exposure to traumatic events (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Examples of traumatic events from the DSM-5 include physical attack, physical abuse, mugging, active combat, sexual violence, natural disaster and serious accidents. These symptoms always occur after the patient has experienced or witnessed death or threat of death, serious injury or sexual assault. The DSM-5 describes acute stress disorder as the development of specific fear behaviors that last from 3 days to 1 month after a traumatic event. DSM-5 category: Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders Introduction
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