Acute Stress Reaction

Question 1

What is Acute Stress Reaction (ICD-10)?

Answer 1

A transient disorder (hours-days) that may occur in an individual as an immediate response to exceptional stress - the stressor involves severe threat to the security/physical integrity of the individual/loved persons.

Question 2

What is Acute Stress Disorder (DSM-V)?

Answer 2

An acute stress reaction that occurs in the first 4 weeks after a person has been exposed to a traumatic event (a short-version of PTSD (after 4 weeks)).

Question 3

Give 2 differences between Acute Stress Reaction and Acute Stress Disorder.

Answer 3

Acute Stress Disorder :-

1. More Emphasis on Symptoms of Dissociation.
2. Onset within 4 weeks (2 days - 4 weeks).

Question 4

Give 3 risk factors for Acute Stress Reaction.

Answer 4

1. Physical Exhaustion.
2. Presence of other Organic Factors.
3. Elderly.

Question 5

What is Dissociation (Acute Stress Disorder)?

Answer 5

A mechanism of avoiding overwhelming emotion i.e. thinking, without feeling, which if persistent, delays the process of integration.

Question 6

Give 5 clinical features of Acute Stress Reaction.

Answer 6

1. Intrusive Thoughts e.g. Flashbacks, Nightmares.
2. Dissociation e.g. ‘Being in a Daze’.
3. Negative Mood.
4. Avoidance.
5. Arousal e.g. Hypervigilance, Sleep Disturbance.

Question 7

What is management of Acute Stress Reaction?

Answer 7

Not particularly needed - once the stressor is removed, symptoms usually resolve within a few hours. 1st line = TF-CBT (Trauma-Focussed).