What is Acute Stress Disorder?

 

 Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) refers to difficulties someone may experience up to one month after a trauma. These difficulties may include feeling numb or in a daze, painful thoughts or memories of the trauma, and attempts at avoiding things that remind them of the trauma. ASD is not as well known nor studied as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since it occurs in a shorter timeframe (i.e., one month or less). About 80% of people who develop ASD go on to develop PTSD.

Fortunately, ASD can be treated before it turns into PTSD. If you have recently experienced something traumatic, feel free to contact me. I can assess whether you might benefit from treatment.