Anxiety disorders - Acute stress reaction

Question 1

What are the clinical features of acute stress reaction? (5)

Answer 1

Intrusive re-experiencing of the event (flashbacks, nightmares)

Dissociation ‘being in a daze’ time slowing
- derealisation (feeling of being in a dream state)
- depersonalisation (feeling of watching yourself form outside your body)

Avoidance

Negative mood

Question 2

How to manage acute stress reaction? Overall plan

Answer 2

Support and reassurance
CBT

Benzodiazepine if short term agitation

Question 3

What can increase the risk of PTSD developing from acute stress reaction?

[ Complications ]

Answer 3

If formal, immediate, psychological ‘debriefing’ is undertaken, future PTSD risk is increased.

Question 4

What is the definition of acute stress reaction? What is the time requirement?

Answer 4

Occurs in the first 4 weeks after a person has been exposed to a traumatic event.

Must last for atleast 3 days but no more than 4 weeks (PTSD is diagnosed after 4 weeks)