mental health disorders
Acute Stress Disorder
Diagnosis of Acute Stress Disorder
A doctor's evaluation, based on standard psychiatric diagnostic criteria Acute stress disorder is diagnosed when people have been Exposed directly or indirectly to a traumatic event In addition, they also must have had at least 9 of the following symptoms for 3 days up to 1 month: Recurring, uncontrollable, and intrusive distressing memories of the event Recurring distressing dreams of the event Feelings that the traumatic event is recurring—for example, in flashbacks Intense psychological or physical distress when reminded of the event (for example, by entering a similar location, or by hearing sounds similar to those heard during the event) A persistent inability to experience positive emotions (such as happiness, satisfaction, or loving feelings) An altered sense of reality (for example, feeling in a daze or as if time has slowed) Memory loss for an important part of the traumatic event Efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings associated with the event Efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, and situations) associated with the event Disturbed sleep Irritability or angry outbursts Excessive attention to the possibility of danger (hypervigilance) Difficulty concentrating An exaggerated response to loud noises, sudden movements, or other stimuli (startle response) In addition, symptoms must cause significant distress or significantly impair functioning. Doctors also check to see whether symptoms could result from use of a drug or another disorder. 