Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a short-term but intense psychological response to trauma. It develops quickly—usually within 3 to 30 days after experiencing or witnessing a frightening or life-threatening event. Unlike typical stress reactions, ASD causes intrusive memories, emotional numbing, hyperarousal, and difficulty functioning.
ASD is closely linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, without early support, ASD can progress into chronic PTSD. At Aliya Mental Health, our trauma-informed clinicians help identify ASD early and provide effective interventions that promote safety, coping, and long-term emotional stability.
Who Does Acute Stress Disorder Affect?
Anyone exposed to a distressing or traumatic event can develop ASD, but certain groups are at higher risk:
- Veterans and military personnel
- Police, firefighters, EMTs, and first responders
- Survivors of physical or sexual assault
- People who experience car accidents, workplace injuries, or medical trauma
- Individuals with a history of anxiety, depression, or prior trauma
Understanding risk factors helps clinicians at Aliya Mental Health create targeted, effective treatment plans tailored to each client’s trauma background and symptoms.
Common Causes of Acute Stress Disorder
ASD can result from experiencing or witnessing:
- Serious accidents
- Natural disasters
- Violent assault or abuse
- Sudden death of a loved one
- Medical emergencies or surgeries
- Combat exposure
- Life-threatening events
These experiences overwhelm the nervous system, triggering the emotional and physiological symptoms associated with ASD.
Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder
People with ASD often struggle with a combination of:
Intrusive Symptoms
- Flashbacks and distressing memories
- Recurring nightmares
- Feeling as if the trauma is happening again
Dissociation
- Feeling detached from reality
- Emotional numbness
- Memory gaps regarding the event
Avoidance
- Avoiding reminders of the trauma
- Withdrawing from friends or social activities
Arousal and Reactivity
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability or anger
- Trouble focusing
- Feeling constantly “on edge” or unsafe
Negative Mood Changes
- Anxiety, fear, or hopelessness
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
If these symptoms disrupt your ability to function, it may be time to seek professional trauma treatment.
How Is Acute Stress Disorder Diagnosed?
A licensed mental health provider evaluates ASD using DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, which include:
- Exposure to trauma
- A combination of intrusive, dissociative, avoidance, and arousal symptoms
- Symptoms lasting at least three days
- Significant interference with daily functioning
- Onset within 30 days of the traumatic event
Early diagnosis is essential—it opens the door to effective treatment and prevents long-term complications.
How Is Acute Stress Disorder Treated?
At Aliya Mental Health, we use outcome-based, trauma-informed therapies proven to reduce ASD symptoms and support emotional stability.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Helps clients process the trauma, reduce anxiety, and develop coping skills.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Addresses trauma-related beliefs that cause distress or self-blame.
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Supports the brain in reprocessing traumatic memories in a healthier, less distressing way.
Medication Management
May be used short-term to reduce severe anxiety, insomnia, or panic.
Holistic and Integrative Approaches
- Mindfulness and grounding techniques
- Breathwork and emotional regulation skills
- Stress-reduction practices
Supportive Counseling
Reinforces safety, stability, and day-to-day coping strategies.
Early intervention is one of the most effective ways to prevent ASD from developing into PTSD or other long-term trauma disorders.
Why Early Treatment for Acute Stress Disorder Matters
Seeking help early has powerful benefits:
- Reduces the risk of long-term trauma disorders
- Improves sleep, mood, and emotional regulation
- Restores a sense of safety and control
- Helps prevent avoidance behaviors from becoming ingrained
- Protects work, school, and relationship functioning
- Supports faster and more stable recovery
Trauma doesn’t have to define your future. With the right care, healing is possible.
Acute Stress Disorder Treatment at Aliya Mental Health
Aliya Mental Health provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals experiencing ASD. Our trauma-informed clinicians understand the complexity of early trauma responses and offer individualized treatment plans designed to restore stability and empower recovery.
Our program emphasizes:
- Compassionate, client-centered care
- Evidence-based trauma therapies
- Emotional skill-building and grounding
- Personalized treatment planning
- Supportive aftercare and long-term wellness strategies
Whether you need outpatient treatment, therapy, or comprehensive trauma support, we’re here to help.
Get Help Today: Contact Aliya Mental Health for ASD Treatment
If you or a loved one is struggling after a traumatic event, don’t wait. Acute Stress Disorder responds best to early, effective treatment—and Aliya is here to support you every step of the way.