The Difference Between Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a treatable mental health concern similar to acute stress disorder (ASD), yet it has some unique differences. If you are wondering how to differentiate between acute stress disorder and PTSD, you are not alone.

A PTSD treatment program can help you or a loved one address different types of trauma and make a full recovery.

Understanding Different Types of Trauma

Trauma can have long-lasting effects. Common symptoms include depression, anxiety, PTSD, self-blame or guilt, anger or aggressive behaviors, and alcohol and drug abuse. These symptoms may not show up for several weeks or years later, which makes treating the original trauma more difficult. 

There are several different types of trauma that you can experience. These include:

• Acute trauma – A single, unexpected, and traumatizing event, such as a car accident, robbery, the sudden death of a loved one, or physical assault
• Chronic trauma – Several repeated exposures to trauma, including domestic abuse, childhood abuse, and chronic illness
• Complex trauma – Exposure to multiple types of trauma, often interpersonal, including neglect, domestic violence, or experiencing combat
• Historical trauma – Affects communities or large groups of people, such as slavery or genocide

A traumatic event is any event that leaves a lasting, negative impression and can alter the way you see the world around you. Other types of trauma include:

• Child neglect
• Terrorism
• Psychological abuse
• Wartime
• Death

Treatment programs that use behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and medication-assisted treatment can address the physical and psychological aspects of trauma in a safe and encouraging environment. 

The Difference Between Acute Stress Disorder vs. PTSD

Acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are two separate disorders that can impact your life in several negative ways.

Acute Stress Disorder

ASD happens just after a traumatizing experience and can last for up to a few days to a month. Symptoms of ASD include:

• Re-experiencing the trauma through intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
• Avoiding places or people that trigger their trauma symptoms
• Feeling on edge, constantly alert, or being easily startled
• Experiencing negative changes in mood and feelings
• Difficulty concentrating and sleeping

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder happens when you witness or experience a traumatic event and differs from ASD in the timing and duration of symptoms. The symptoms of PTSD include:

• Intrusive thoughts and nightmares
• Isolating themselves from friends and family
• Experiencing negative changes in thoughts, emotions, and beliefs about oneself
• Heightened alertness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating and sleeping. 

How They Differ

What is the difference between acute stress disorder and PTSD? For one, ASD occurs soon after a traumatic event, and PTSD symptoms don’t show up for a month or longer. Here are some other differences:

• Duration of symptoms – Symptoms of ASD can last from three days to one month. Symptoms of PTSD last for a minimum of one month and can persist for several years.
• Symptoms experienced – Dissociative symptoms characterize acute stress disorder’s symptoms. PTSD symptoms are based on re-experiencing the event, avoidance, heightened arousal, and marked changes in mood and cognition. 
• Treatment options – For ASD, short-term psychotherapy or behavioral therapy and antidepressant medications are commonly used. To treat PTSD, treatment programs use long-term psychotherapy, medication, and EMDR therapy to ease symptoms and change their behaviors. 

If symptoms of PTSD are not treated right away, it can lead to a substance use disorder and require extensive treatment to recover. 

Join The Ranch Today for Our PTSD Treatment Program

The Ranch welcomes anyone who is struggling with acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other treatable anxiety disorders. Our PTSD treatment program includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment to ease your symptoms and allow for true healing to begin.

If you or a loved one has experienced a recent or past trauma, fill out our online form or call 888.486.3821 today to schedule a consultation and tour.