Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): Definition, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a mental health condition triggered by exposure to trauma involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violation. ASD symptoms manifest within three days to one month after the traumatic event and disrupt occupational, social, or personal functioning. Common symptoms of ASD include intrusive thoughts, dissociation, avoidance behaviors, emotional numbness, sleep disturbances, and heightened arousal.

The primary risk factors for ASD involve prior trauma exposure, pre-existing mental health conditions, neurobiological sensitivity, and high perceived stress. ASD shares symptomatic overlap with posttraumatic stress disorder, but the key distinction lies in symptom duration and diagnostic criteria. Diagnosis of ASD follows DSM-5 guidelines, requiring a clinical assessment focused on dissociative symptoms, re-experiencing, and avoidance patterns.

Evidence-based treatment approaches involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which addresses cognitive distortions and maladaptive coping mechanisms. Pharmacological support includes SSRIs for severe anxiety and sleep disruption. Structured programs such as Partial Hospitalization Programs and Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs offer continuous monitoring and therapeutic interventions in stabilized environments.

Teen stress often intensifies ASD symptoms due to underdeveloped emotional regulation and heightened reactivity. ASD in adolescents demands early intervention through school-based therapy, parental support, and individualized treatment plans incorporating CBT and psychoeducation.

ASD affects approximately 19% of individuals exposed to trauma, with higher prevalence in sexual assault survivors and accident victims. A study by Bryant et al. titled Acute Stress Disorder as a Predictor of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in 2011 confirmed a 78% progression rate from ASD to PTSD without early therapy.

What is Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a mental health condition classified as a trauma- and stressor-related disorder that develops within three days of exposure to a severe traumatic event and lasts up to 30 days. According to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, ASD involves at least nine symptoms from five distinct categories: intrusion, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal. The condition is temporary but disruptive, often preceding posttraumatic stress disorder if left untreated.

ASD falls under the F43.0 code in the ICD-10 system and is recognized in the DSM-5 as distinct from adjustment disorders or anxiety syndromes due to its acute timeline and specific trauma-based triggers. The F-code assigned to ASD within the DSM-5 trauma spectrum reinforces its classification among acute stress response pathologies.

Scientific studies have confirmed the clinical relevance of ASD as a predictor for more persistent disorders. For instance, a meta-analysis by Santiago et al., titled Prevalence of PTSD in trauma-exposed populations (2013), found that approximately 18.5% of individuals diagnosed with ASD transitioned to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reinforcing the importance of early intervention and recognition (Santiago et al., 2013). These findings underscore ASD’s role as both a valid clinical condition and a potential early marker of chronic trauma-related pathology.

Functional impairment from ASD qualifies the condition as a disability under mental health standards when symptoms significantly interfere with daily life. Comparatively, ASD presents more immediate onset and dissociative symptoms than general syndromes, which often lack defined timeframes or trauma origins.

Validated instruments such as the Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS), Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire (SASRQ), and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) measure the severity and duration of ASD symptoms across clinical settings. Epidemiological data report that ASD affects between 6% to 33% of trauma-exposed individuals depending on trauma type, with sexual assault and motor vehicle accidents showing the highest prevalence.

What are the symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder?

The common symptoms of acute stress disorder include intense emotional and behavioral reactions that emerge shortly after exposure to a traumatic event. These symptoms begin within 3 days and last up to one month. Affected individuals often experience high levels of distress that impair daily functioning.

The main psychological and behavioral symptoms of ASD are explained below:

Psychological Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder

Psychological symptoms of acute stress disorder are internal responses that reflect cognitive and emotional disruptions following trauma. A study by Bryant et al. titled Acute Stress Disorder as a Predictor of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in 2010 found that over 80% of individuals with ASD reported at least three dissociative symptoms in the initial month following trauma. These symptoms are often severe and interfere with memory, attention, and emotional stability.

Below are 5 psychological symptoms of acute stress disorder.

• Intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event
• Flashbacks or dissociative reactions
• Persistent negative mood or anxiety
• Dissociation, such as feeling detached from reality
• Difficulty concentrating

Behavioral Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder

Behavioral symptoms of acute stress disorder are external manifestations of distress that impact one’s actions and social behavior. According to the National Center for PTSD, nearly 60% of individuals with ASD exhibit behavioral symptoms that significantly disrupt occupational and social functioning. These often include heightened reactivity and avoidance patterns.

Below are 5 behavioral symptoms of acute stress disorder.

• Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
• Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or nightmares)
• Irritability or angry outbursts
• Social withdrawal or inability to perform daily tasks

What are the Causes of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?

The common causes of Acute Stress Disorder include exposure to intense or overwhelming traumatic events that exceed an individual’s coping capacity. Acute trauma from such events disrupts normal psychological processing, increasing the likelihood of developing ASD symptoms. According to the DSM-5, individuals exposed to trauma such as physical assault, natural disasters, or serious accidents are at high risk of developing ASD.
A study by Walker et al. of the University of Queensland titled “Acute Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” in 2020 found that approximately 16.5% of trauma-exposed youth developed ASD, with rates rising to 27.9% following interpersonal trauma.

Below are the primary causes of Acute Stress Disorder:

• Direct exposure to a traumatic event
• Witnessing trauma happening to others
• Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to trauma
• Pre-existing mental health conditions
• Lack of social or psychological support
  

• Direct exposure to a traumatic event: Experiencing a traumatic incident firsthand—such as sexual assault, combat exposure, or a serious accident—is one of the strongest predictors of Acute Stress Disorder. This type of direct trauma often overwhelms the individual’s ability to process the event, triggering the onset of acute stress symptoms.
A study by Geoffrion et al. of the University of Montreal titled “A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Acute Stress Disorder Following Interpersonal and Non-Interpersonal Trauma” in 2020 found that interpersonal traumas, such as sexual assault or physical violence, were significantly more likely to lead to ASD, with prevalence rates reaching up to 36%.

• Witnessing trauma happening to others: Even without being physically harmed, simply witnessing someone else experience trauma especially close family or friends trigger intense psychological distress. This vicarious trauma activates similar acute responses as direct exposure.
A study by Cheng of the University of Hong Kong titled “Traumatic Stress Disorder in Witnesses to a Suicide” in 2006 found that individuals who witnessed a suicide displayed high levels of acute stress reactions, including re-experiencing, avoidance, and dissociation.

• Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to trauma: Professionals such as emergency responders, military personnel, and healthcare workers often face repeated exposure to traumatic events. Over time, this cumulative stress leads to emotional exhaustion and heightened vulnerability to ASD.
A study by Adamson of the University of Plymouth titled “Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Overview” in 2007 noted that repeated trauma exposure in high-risk occupations significantly increased ASD risk, with up to 50% of PTSD cases in rescue workers traced back to cumulative trauma.

• Pre-existing mental health conditions: Individuals with a history of anxiety, depression, or PTSD are more likely to experience severe psychological responses to trauma. Their reduced emotional resilience makes it more difficult to cope with new stressors.
A study by Kolaitis of the University of Athens titled “Trauma and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents” in 2017 found that individuals with prior mental health diagnoses were at significantly increased risk of developing ASD following traumatic exposure.

• Lack of social or psychological support: Support systems play a vital role in emotional recovery after trauma. Individuals without strong family, community, or psychological support struggle to process their experiences, making them more susceptible to ASD.
A study by Zhao of Guangdong University of Technology titled “The Effects of Acute Stress Reaction on Trauma-Related Symptoms and Relevant Factors” in 2023 revealed that individuals with poor social support were less resilient and more prone to developing ASD.

What Risk Factors Contribute to Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?

The risk factors contributing to Acute Stress Disorder involve individual psychological vulnerabilities, characteristics of the traumatic event, and the availability of emotional and social support. These factors increase the likelihood that a person will develop acute stress symptoms following trauma. According to the literature, roughly 20% of individuals exposed to trauma develop ASD, depending on these influencing variables.
A study by Quinn M. Biggs et al. of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences titled “The Epidemiology of Acute Stress Disorder and Other Early Responses to Trauma in Adults” in 2012 found that female gender, younger age, and a history of prior trauma or mental health disorders were major risk factors associated with the development of ASD.

• History of mental illness: Individuals with pre-existing psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD are more susceptible to developing ASD after experiencing new trauma. Their existing dysregulation in stress response systems increases vulnerability.
A study by C. Brewin et al. of University College London titled “Meta-analysis of Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Trauma-Exposed Adults” in 2000 found that a history of psychiatric illness consistently increased the risk of both ASD and PTSD, with uniform predictive effects across populations.

• High trauma severity: The intensity and perceived threat of the traumatic event plays a central role in triggering acute stress responses. Personal threat, injury, or violence increases the odds significantly.
A study by Sayed et al. of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine titled “Risk Factors for the Development of Psychopathology Following Trauma” in 2015 emphasized that trauma severity and perception of threat during the event were among the strongest predictors of post-traumatic psychopathology, including ASD.

• Female gender: Women are more likely than men to develop ASD, due to both biological responses and sociocultural factors affecting exposure types and emotional regulation.
A study by Haering et al. of Freie Universität Berlin titled “Sex and Gender Differences in Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder” in 2024 found that women were more likely to report severe acute stress symptoms following trauma and had a higher prevalence of mental health history—both contributing to elevated ASD risk.

• Younger age: Children and adolescents are at higher risk for ASD due to their limited emotional coping capacities and underdeveloped stress regulation systems.
A study by Walker et al. of the University of Queensland titled “Acute Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” in 2020 found that ASD prevalence was especially elevated in children exposed to interpersonal trauma, with rates as high as 27.9%.

• Lack of social support: Individuals lacking strong social networks are more prone to stress-related disorders due to emotional isolation and reduced external coping resources.
A study by Zhao of Guangdong University of Technology titled “The Effects of Acute Stress Reaction on Trauma-Related Symptoms and Relevant Factors” in 2023 showed that those with low social support were 30% more likely to develop ASD symptoms following trauma.

What Are the Effects of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?

The effects of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) elevated heart rate, irritability, Social withdrawal and etc. each impacting the body, mind, behavior, and cognition. These effects emerges within days of a traumatic event and persist for several weeks if not treated. The disorder disrupts daily functioning and often foreshadows the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
A study by R. Bryant et al. of the University of New South Wales titled “Treating Acute Stress Disorder: An Evaluation of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Supportive Counseling Techniques” in 1999 found that individuals with ASD exhibited significant physical, psychological, behavioral, and cognitive disturbances, including hyperarousal, avoidance, intrusive memories, and dissociation, all of which contribute to serious impairment in functioning.

Listed below are Physical, psychological,behavioral and cognitive effects of acute stress disorder:

Physical Effects of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

• Elevated heart rate
  
• Muscle tension
  
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
  
• Headaches
  
• Sleep disturbances
  

These physical responses result from the body’s acute stress reaction and sympathetic nervous system activation. Though often short-term, these symptoms become chronic if stress persists or transitions into PTSD.

Psychological Effects of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

• Anxiety and panic
  
• Irritability or anger
  
• Emotional numbness
  
• Feelings of helplessness
  
• Persistent fear

Behavioral Effects of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

• Avoidance of trauma reminders
  
• Hypervigilance
  
• Startle response
  
• Social withdrawal
  
• Sleep-related behaviors (e.g., insomnia, nightmares)
  

Behavioral changes in ASD often reflect attempts to manage or escape distress. These patterns, if unaddressed, reinforce chronic avoidance and impair social and occupational functioning.

Cognitive Effects of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

• Difficulty concentrating
  
• Memory lapses
  
• Disorientation
  
• Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
  
• Dissociation (e.g., feeling detached from reality)
  

Cognitive disruptions in ASD impair decision-making, focus, and perception. These effects are brief or persist, particularly if ASD evolves into PTSD.

How is Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) Diagnosed?

Acute Stress Disorder is commonly diagnosed through structured assessments like quizzes and clinical evaluation that examine psychological functioning shortly after exposure to a traumatic event. These methods evaluate symptom duration, severity, and impact, using clinical criteria established in psychiatric literature. A study by Bryant of the University of New South Wales titled “Diagnosing Acute Stress Disorder in the Context of Trauma Exposure” in 2011 emphasized that early identification of ASD is associated with better recovery outcomes and reduced progression to PTSD.
Below are the common methods used to diagnose Acute Stress Disorder.

• Self-Assessment Quizzes
  
• Clinical Evaluation by a Mental Health Professional
  
• Diagnostic Criteria from the DSM-5
  
• Structured Clinical Interviews
  
• Psychological Assessments and Screening Tools
  

Self-Assessment Quizzes

Self-assessment quizzes are short-form questionnaires individuals use to recognize ASD symptoms shortly after a traumatic experience. These tools aim to provide early symptom detection and are typically composed of items that evaluate emotional reactivity, avoidance, and dissociative episodes experienced within the past week.

Clinical Evaluation by a Mental Health Professional

Clinical evaluations involve direct assessment by a licensed mental health expert to verify symptom presence and distinguish ASD from other disorders. These evaluations focus on functional impairment, symptom duration, and the link to a specific traumatic event, often using semi-structured interviews and symptom checklists.

Diagnostic Criteria from the DSM-5

Diagnosis using DSM-5 criteria follows a standardized approach that ensures accuracy across clinical settings. This method requires identifying at least 9 symptoms across five categories—intrusion, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal—emerging within 3 to 30 days after trauma exposure.

Structured Clinical Interviews

Structured interviews provide a formal framework for identifying ASD in both clinical and research settings. These interviews, such as the Acute Stress Disorder Interview (ASDI), rely on direct questioning about symptom clusters and their impact on daily functioning to support diagnostic reliability.

Psychological Assessments and Screening Tools

Psychological assessments use validated measurement scales to assess the intensity and scope of acute stress responses. Tools like the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire (SASRQ) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) measure symptom severity and emotional distress, supporting diagnostic confirmation and treatment planning.

What Are the Treatment Options for Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) treatment options include a combination of psychotherapy, structured clinical programs, pharmacotherapy, and supportive strategies that promote emotional regulation. According to the American Psychological Association, early intervention using trauma-informed approaches is key to minimizing symptom severity and improving outcomes.

Below are the most widely recognized and supported treatment options for ASD:

• Therapy (CBT and Exposure Therapy)
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
• Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs
• Medications
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
  

Therapy (CBT and Exposure Therapy)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly trauma-focused CBT and exposure-based therapy, is the gold standard treatment for ASD. It focuses on restructuring negative thought patterns, reducing avoidance behaviors, and processing traumatic memories in a safe therapeutic setting.
A study by Bryant et al. of the University of New South Wales titled “Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial” in 2008 demonstrated that individuals who received five sessions of exposure-based CBT were 47% more likely to achieve full remission and significantly less likely to develop PTSD compared to those in the waitlist and cognitive restructuring groups.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

PHPs offer a middle ground between inpatient and outpatient care. They provide structured day-long treatment including individual and group therapy, psychoeducation, and crisis management, while allowing the patient to return home at night.
PHP model is widely used for acute psychiatric conditions and trauma-related disorders and is considered beneficial for individuals with moderate to severe symptoms who need intensive support but not full hospitalization.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs

Outpatient programs provide ongoing therapeutic care while enabling individuals to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities. These programs offer weekly CBT sessions, coping skill development, and psychoeducation.
While outpatient CBT has shown broad effectiveness for PTSD and trauma-related conditions, no specific RCT for outpatient programs in ASD was located. General support comes from broader trauma-treatment frameworks using CBT.

Medications

Pharmacological treatment help manage symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine) are used as first-line pharmacotherapy, when therapy alone is insufficient.
A study by Stein et al. at the University of California, San Diego titled “Pharmacological Treatment of PTSD” in 2006 found that SSRIs were effective in reducing intrusive symptoms and anxiety, and while this research focused on PTSD, it has clinical relevance for managing ASD symptoms in early phases of distress.

Can Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) Recur?

Yes, Acute Stress Disorder can recur, especially in individuals who experience subsequent trauma or who did not receive effective initial treatment. When untreated, ASD symptoms transition into more persistent psychological conditions, such as PTSD.

A study by Bryant of the University of New South Wales titled “Review Article: Early Intervention for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” in 2007 found that individuals with ASD who do not receive early intervention through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have a significantly higher chance of progressing to PTSD.

 Moreover, a systematic review by Roberts et al. of Cardiff University titled “Early Psychological Interventions to Treat Acute Traumatic Stress Symptoms” in 2010 confirmed that trauma-focused CBT was more effective than supportive counseling or no treatment in reducing symptom severity and preventing PTSD at 6-month follow-up.
These findings emphasize the importance of early psychological intervention to lower the risk of relapse or progression to chronic disorders.

Can Acute Stress Disorder Occur in Teens?

Yes, ASD can affect teens and individuals of all ages, including adolescents. Teenagers exposed to trauma—such as accidents, violence, or disasters—are particularly vulnerable. Their symptoms include emotional numbness, avoidance, intrusive memories, and irritability.

A study by Smith et al. of King’s College London titled “Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents” in 2013 found that trauma-focused CBT is highly effective in managing PTSD and ASD symptoms in youth populations, and early intervention leads to better recovery outcome.
Recognizing ASD early in teens is crucial to prevent symptom progression into chronic mental health issues.

How to Prevent Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?

Preventing ASD starts with immediate psychological care following trauma. While trauma itself cannot always be avoided, early support buffers ASD’s mental health impact. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly trauma-focused, is the most effective preventive method for those showing early stress symptoms.

A study by Roberts et al. of Cardiff University titled “Early Psychological Intervention Following Recent Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” in 2019 found that trauma-focused CBT and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) significantly reduced ASD symptoms and the risk of PTSD when applied within the first three months of trauma.

Supportive programs like Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) and Outpatient Rehabilitation are also valuable for high-risk individuals, especially those with previous trauma exposure. Prevention also involves monitoring at-risk individuals, offering psychoeducation, and integrating mindfulness-based stress reduction strategies.

What Comorbid Conditions Are Common with Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?

The common comorbid conditions with Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) are psychiatric disorders that frequently occur alongside ASD due to shared emotional, cognitive, and neurobiological mechanisms. These comorbidities often intensify symptoms and complicate recovery if not identified and treated early.

A study by Beutel et al. of the University Medical Center Mainz titled “Anxiety Disorders and Comorbidity in Psychosomatic Inpatients” in 2009 found that individuals with anxiety-related disorders, including ASD and PTSD, exhibited high rates of comorbidity with major depression (47.4%), substance abuse (15.1%), panic disorder (23.6%), GAD (13.7%), and OCD.

Listed below are the 8 most common comorbid conditions observed with ASD.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Substance Use Disorders
• Adjustment Disorders
• Dissociative Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD follows ASD if symptoms persist beyond one month. Many individuals with ASD develop PTSD due to unresolved trauma processing and continued exposure to triggering memories.
  
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Depressive symptoms such as hopelessness, lack of energy, and anhedonia often emerge alongside ASD, especially in those with persistent emotional distress.
  
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterized by chronic worry and tension, GAD frequently overlaps with ASD, particularly in individuals with high baseline anxiety sensitivity.
  
• Panic Disorder: Sudden episodes of intense fear and physiological symptoms occur alongside ASD, especially when traumatic reminders are frequent or severe.
  
• Substance Use Disorders (SUDs): Some individuals with ASD use substances as a coping mechanism for trauma symptoms, increasing the risk for long-term addiction and health complications.
  
• Adjustment Disorders
  Milder but prolonged stress reactions to trauma coexist with ASD, particularly in those struggling to reintegrate into normal life routines after an event.
  
• Dissociative Disorders: Disruptions in consciousness, memory, and identity evolves into more persistent dissociative symptoms if trauma is not processed effectively.
  
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors occur in individuals with ASD, particularly when anxiety is high and cognitive coping strategies are impaired.

What Is the Difference Between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

The difference between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the duration of symptoms. ASD occurs within three days to four weeks after a traumatic event, while PTSD is diagnosed only if symptoms persist beyond one month. Both share symptoms like intrusive thoughts and hyperarousal, but PTSD develops later and last longer. A study by Crumlish (2010) in The Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine emphasized that ASD captures immediate trauma responses, whereas PTSD represents a more enduring or delayed reaction.

What Is the Difference Between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

The difference between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the origin and duration of symptoms. ASD is a short-term reaction to trauma, while ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood. Though both involve inattention and emotional dysregulation, ASD symptoms are trauma-driven and temporary. Antshel et al. (2013) from Harvard Medical School highlighted in their study that ADHD is not trauma-induced and persists chronically.

What Is the Difference Between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Adjustment Disorder?

The difference between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Adjustment Disorder is the nature and intensity of the triggering stressor. ASD results from exposure to a traumatic event involving actual or threatened harm, while Adjustment Disorder arises from a wide range of less severe stressors like divorce or job changes. Strain and Friedman (2011), writing in Depression and Anxiety, clarified that ASD falls under trauma-related disorders in DSM-5, unlike Adjustment Disorder, which encompasses broader stress reactions.

What Is the Difference Between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Brief Psychotic Disorder?

The difference between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Brief Psychotic Disorder lies in the presence of psychosis. ASD involves trauma-related symptoms such as dissociation and hyperarousal, while Brief Psychotic Disorder features psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Malhotra and Singh (2015) explained in their overview that although both follow severe stress, only Brief Psychotic Disorder includes a break from reality.

Which celebrities have experienced Acute Stress Disorder?

Several celebrities have shared experiences that align with the condition nvolving acute trauma followed by short-term dissociation, anxiety, or emotional shutdown. Below is a list of celebrities who have spoken openly about ASD.

• Lady Gaga
• Prince Harry
• Ariana Grande
• Oprah Winfrey
• Charlize Theron