Distinguish between acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In your comparison, outline the main categories of symptoms seen in ASD and PTSD.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

People with acute stress disorder experience high levels of anxiety and dissociation during the days and weeks after a trauma. People experiencing dissociation responses feel detached from their bodies, as if they are living in a dream, and feel they lack emotional responsiveness. They also have trouble concentrating and remembering things. Reminders of the trauma can result in intense feelings of anxiety, terror, or helplessness. Typically, people who suffer acute stress disorder will avoid any places, activities, conversations, or people who may be associated with the traumatic event. Posttraumatic stress disorder occurs when a person continues to experience distress long after a traumatic life event. The trauma appears to play over and over in the mind of the person. Symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder include:
(1) Re-experiencing symptoms: This can be nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts.
(2) Avoidance symptoms: This occurs when the person stays away from anything that may remind them of the trauma. They detach from their feelings and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
(3) Hyperarousal: The person may experience anxiety and tension and have difficulty sleeping. They may startle very easily.