Acute Stress Disorder Flashcards
What is acute stress disorder?
It is defined as a condition in which individuals experience an acute stress reaction within the first four weeks of exposure to a traumatic event
What condition does acute stress disorder present similarly to? What is the difference between these two conditions?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Acute stress disorder presents within the first four weeks of traumatic event exposure
PTSD presents after four weeks of traumatic event exposure
What are the four main clincial features of acute stress disorder?
Hyperarousal
Re-Experiencing
Avoidance of Situations
Cognition & Mood
What is hyperarousal?
It refers to a persistently heightened perception of current threat
What are the four clinical features of hyperarousal in acute stress disorder?
Persistent Anxiety
Irritability
Insomnia
Poor Concentration
What are the two clincial features of re-experiencing in acute stress disorder?
Vivid, Intense Flashbacks
Nightmares
What are the four cognition and mood clincial features of acute stress disorder?
Memory Loss
Negative Views
Distorted Feelings of Guilt/Blame
Anhedonia
What are the two psychological management options of acute stress disorder?
Psychoeducation
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
What is psychoeducation?
It involves providing patients with information about acute stress disorder and ways in which they can control and minimise it
What is the first line management option of acute stress disorder?
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
What is trauma focused CBT?
This involves education about reactions to trauma and strategies to process memories and emotions related to it
What is the pharmacological management option of acute stress disorder?
Benzodiazepines
When are benzodiazepines used to manage acute stress disorder?
They are recommended to manage acute clinical features, such as agitation and insomnia
Why should we be cautious about benzodiazepine administration?
Its highly addictive properties and rapid tolerance
