Acute Stress Disorder Vs Ptsd

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a mental health condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms typically arise within three days to one month following the trauma and may include intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders of the event, negative mood, dissociation, and hyperarousal. ASD can cause significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning, and while some individuals may recover spontaneously, others may develop more chronic conditions if left untreated.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can develop after an individual has been exposed to a traumatic event, such as combat, natural disasters, sexual assault, or serious accidents. Symptoms of PTSD can persist for more than a month and may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Individuals may also experience emotional numbness, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and heightened arousal response. PTSD can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life, and effective treatment options are available to help individuals manage their symptoms.