When you understand the similarities and differences between acute stress disorder vs PTSD, you will be better prepared to find the best care for yourself or a loved one.
Similarities of Acute Stress Disorder vs PTSD
Both acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are included in the Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders section of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
As established in the DSM-5, both disorders can be caused by the same types of experiences:
- ASD and PTSD occur in the aftermath of trauma. Occurrences that can precede the onset of these conditions include physical abuse, sexual assault, extreme neglect, military combat, acts of terrorism, violent weather, and serious illnesses. The common thread among these occurrences is that they can all cause people to fear that they are about to die, be seriously injured, or be sexually violated.
- People can develop either ASD or PTSD after directly experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. They can also develop these disorders due to frequent exposure to the aftermath of trauma (such as firefighters and EMTs often are) or after learning about the details of a traumatic event involving a loved one.
Acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder also share several symptoms, such as:
- Recurrent, intrusive, and distressing memories about the traumatic event
- Vivid unpleasant dreams about the traumatic event
- Difficulty recalling certain details about the event
- Flashbacks, which are times when the person feels as though they are re-experiencing the traumatic event
- Behavioral changes to avoid people, places, or circumstances that remind them of the traumatic event
- Hypervigilance, or the sense of being perpetually in danger
- Exaggerated startle response, which can cause dramatic overreactions to certain sounds, images, or other stimuli
- Inability to experience happiness or joy
One other important similarity between acute stress disorder vs PTSD is that both are treatable conditions.
Anyone who experiences the types of symptoms listed above should be assessed by a qualified healthcare provider who can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Differences Between Acute Stress Disorder vs PTSD
Although they share many characteristics, there are reasons why these two conditions have separate entries in the DSM-5.
The two primary differences between acute stress disorder vs PTSD are the onset and duration of symptoms:
- The symptoms of acute stress disorder typically begin to occur in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event. These symptoms may last from three days to one month.
- PTSD symptoms may not become apparent until a few months after a traumatic event, though they can occur sooner. Once these symptoms develop, they may persist for months or years.
Acute stress disorder is often a precursor of posttraumatic stress disorder. Research indicates that as many as 80% of people who experience ASD symptoms will develop PTSD.
One other key difference between acute stress disorder vs PTSD involves periods of dissociation, during which a person feels that they have become detached from their mind, body, and/or surroundings:
- Dissociative symptoms are among the five standard symptom types for acute stress disorder.
- For posttraumatic stress disorder, dissociation is a specifier. This means that people with PTSD may have dissociative episodes, but these experiences are not fundamental characteristics of this condition.
Treatment for ASD vs PTSD
Treatment is another area of similarity between ASD vs PTSD.
For people who have either condition, personalization can be key to a successful treatment experience. Though these disorders resemble each other in many ways, they can affect different people in different ways.
Effective treatment should begin with a detailed assessment, during which caregivers may collect information on personal factors such as:
- The patient’s age, gender, and developmental level
- What type of traumatic event they experienced
- If they have been exposed to one or several types of trauma
- If they have previously received treatment for trauma
- The presence of anxiety, depression, or another mental health concern
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Any significant medical conditions
Based on these and other relevant factors, a comprehensive, personalized approach to treatment for either acute stress disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder may include:
- Ketamine treatment
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group therapy sessions
- Family therapy and education
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
- Electromagnetic brain pulse (EMBP) therapy
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy
- Neurofeedback
Though no medications have been developed solely to treat ASD or PTSD, people who have these conditions often benefit from antidepressants such as:
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Studies have also demonstrated that some second-generation, or atypical, antipsychotics can be helpful for people who have PTSD. Meds in this category include:
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
Without informed guidance, it can be extremely difficult to review and understand all the therapeutic and pharmacological options for treating ASD and PTSD. This underscores the importance of finding a provider who will work with you to identify the elements of care that align most closely with your history, needs, and goals.
Treat ASD or PTSD at Conscious Health Today
If you have been experiencing symptoms of acute stress disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder, the help you need may be closer than you realize.
Conscious Health offers life-affirming outpatient programming for adults who have been living with ASD, PTSD, and other trauma-related mental health concerns. Our treatment center in Los Angeles, California, is a safe and welcoming place where you can receive customized care and close personal support from a small team of dedicated professionals.
We are committed to working closely with each patient to address their unique needs and help them realize their greatest potential. When you’re ready to start building a foundation for your healthier and more hopeful future, the Conscious Health team is here for you.
To learn more about how we can help, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
