Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
What is Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?
According to the NCBI clinical guide, Acute Stress Disorder is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event, such as serious injury, sexual assault, natural disasters, or witnessing a death. The condition typically appears within 3 days to 1 month after the trauma and is characterized by a set of dissociative and stress-related symptoms.
Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder
ASD symptoms fall into five key categories: intrusion, dissociation, avoidance, arousal, and negative mood. According to the DSM-5 and the NCBI article, a person usually displays certain symptoms as listed below.
Common Symptoms Include:
Intrusion symptoms: Recurrent, involuntary distressing memories of the trauma; flashbacks; nightmares.
Dissociative symptoms: A sense of detachment from oneself (depersonalization), or feeling disconnected from reality (derealization).
Avoidance symptoms: Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or reminders of the trauma.
Arousal symptoms: Irritability, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, hyper vigilance, or exaggerated startle response.
Negative mood: Persistent inability to experience positive emotions.
Recognizing Acute Stress Disorder
It is not uncommon for anyone to feel shaken after a traumatic event. However, ASD is more than just temporary distress. You may be dealing with ASD if:
Symptoms start within 3 days after the trauma
They persist for at least 3 days but less than 30 days
Your daily functioning work, relationships, self-care is significantly impacted
You feel emotionally numb, detached, or mentally foggy
You are reliving the trauma repeatedly through intrusive thoughts or dreams
ASD can affect both everyday people and people who work under strenuous circumstances such as; first responders, soldiers, or medical staff who witness trauma frequently.
When to Speak to a Provider at MIU Center
While mild anxiety can often be managed with self-care and basic coping techniques, professional help is necessary if:
Anxiety disrupts daily functioning or relationships
Symptoms persist for weeks or months
Panic attacks occur frequently
Physical health issues arise due to anxiety
Symptoms feel unmanageable
If you or a loved one experiences these signs, MIU Center is here to help.
Supplements vs. Medication: Finding the Right Approach
Some individuals find relief from anxiety through natural supplements, however, using supplements or other coping mechanisms may not be effective for everyone and can cause side effects over time and eventually increase anxiety. For moderate to severe anxiety, prescription medications may be necessary. At MIU Center, our providers help determine the best treatment approach for your unique needs.
Why Choose MIU Center for Anxiety Treatment?
At MIU Center, we offer a personalized, evidence-based approach to anxiety treatment.
Holistic Care: We consider lifestyle, genetics, and other factors before prescribing medication.
Expertise: Our providers have extensive experience in psychiatry.
Evidence-Based Therapies: We incorporate short therapy sessions to support your wellness journey.
Medication Management: When appropriate, prescribed medications can significantly alleviate symptoms.
Collaborative Support: Our team works closely with you to create a customized treatment plan.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. If you are struggling or recognize the signs in you or someone you care about, reach out to MIU Center today. Contact us today.
Let MIU Center help you regain balance, so you can live your life to the fullest potential.
