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Acute stress disorder is distinguished from PTSD based on the length of time of the symptom pattern.

For a diagnosis of PTSD, symptoms must be present for beyond one month. In acute stress disorder, symptoms are restricted to a duration of three days to one month.

Development and course of symptoms

According to the DSM-5, although acute stress disorder may progress to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after 1 month, it may also be a transient stress response that resolves within one month of trauma exposure and does not result in PTSD.

It is estimated that approximately half of individuals who eventually develop PTSD initially present with acute stress disorder, with symptoms worsening during the initial month often as a result of ongoing life stressors or further traumatic events.

It’s treatable!

Remember, mental health conditions are treatable. See the Therapeutic Response section to learn more.

Risk and prognostic factors

Pre-trauma factors:

  • Individual temperament — general negativity, perception of trauma severity, avoidant coping style.
  • Exposure to prior trauma.
  • Environment.
  • Prior mental health diagnoses.

    • Peri-trauma factors:

  • Severity of the trauma.
  • Perceived life threat, personal injury, interpersonal violence.

    • Post-trauma factors:

  • Individual temperament.
  • Environment.
  • Subsequent exposure to repeated upsetting reminders, subsequent adverse life events.