Traumatic events can significantly impact a person’s psychological, emotional, and physical wellbeing, whether the trauma is experienced firsthand or witnessed. Trauma can also lead to mental health disorders, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Acute Stress Disorder (ASD).
PTSD and ASD share many symptoms, and both require early intervention and treatment for positive recovery outcomes. But there are key distinctions between them that result in different treatment methods. Here’s an overview on how ASD and PTSD compare:
Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder
ASD symptoms develop in the immediate aftermath of trauma and last anywhere from days to a month after the event. Symptoms of ASD include:
- Severe anxiety
- Numbed emotions
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Avoidance of people, places, or experiences associated with the trauma
Another major symptom of ASD is dissociation and dissociative amnesia. Dissociation involves a sense of detaching from one’s self from reality, while dissociative amnesia refers to difficulty remembering certain details about the traumatic event as a self-protection mechanism.
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms of PTSD develop later than symptoms of ASD. While ASD is often a precursor to PTSD, that’s not always the case. PTSD symptoms can take months or years to develop, varying greatly in terms of severity. Symptoms of PTSD include:
- Intrusive memories, dreams, or flashbacks that cause a strong negative reaction
- Overall negative mood, or a general feeling of being on edge
- Loss of interest in socialization, hobbies, and other activities
- Avoidance of people, places, or experiences associated with the trauma
- Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
- Heightened alertness to danger
- Risky or destructive behavior
Acute Stress Disorder vs. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The most significant difference between ASD and PTSD is the onset and duration of symptoms. The effects of ASD present immediately and last up to a month, while PTSD symptoms present slower and last longer, up to several years if not treated. Also, while ASD and PTSD share many symptoms, each is typically characterized by distinctive symptoms:
- People with ASD experience dissociative symptoms
- People with PTSD re-experience the trauma and suffer more severe changes in mood and cognition
There are also differences in treatment:
- ASD is treated with short-term psychotherapy and antidepressant medications
- PTSD requires long-term psychotherapy and medication
The importance of treatment for ASD and PTSD
Trauma can have severe effects on a person’s ability to function and live a healthy, happy life. Neglecting symptoms of ASD and PTSD can worsen symptoms and potentially lead to depression and substance abuse. The sooner a person receives treatment after a traumatic event, the better the chance of a smooth recovery. Seeking treatment with trained, compassionate medical professionals won’t eliminate symptoms overnight, but it will help patients discover ways to minimize reactions to triggers and develop healthy coping skills for managing distress.
Trauma treatment in San Diego
If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Alvarado Parkway Institute can help you on your journey to recovery. Our experienced and dedicated staff will develop a customized treatment plan to help you achieve a higher quality of life, so don’t wait to set up a consultation. Fill out our contact form or call (619) 667-6125 to get started today.
