Acute Stress Syndrome

Question 1

Defintion

Answer 1

A psychological condition that can develop after exposure, and as a response, to a stressful event
- Occurs in the first 4 weeks after exposure

Question 2

Aetiology + Risk factors

Answer 2

Aetiology
- Being involved in traumatic events (serious accidents, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters)
- Witnessing traumatic events,
- Past psychiatric disorders and avoidant coping
Risk factors
- Hx of PTSD
- Dissociative behaviour
- Other psychological conditions e.g anxiety .

Question 3

Signs and symptoms

Answer 3

• Intrusion = re-experiencing where the person has flashbacks
• Avoidance
• Hyperarousal; reckless or aggressive behaviour, sleep disturbances, hypervigilance
• Mood related; negative thoughts, mood or feelings
• Autonomic signs of anxiety: tachy, sweating

Question 4

Differential diagnosis

Answer 4

GAD (generalised anxiety disorder)
PTSD
Depression
Alcohol misuse
Schizophrenia

Question 5

Treatment

Answer 5

FIRST LINE: Trauma-focused CBT
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
Benzodiazepine for short term relief of severe anxiety