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Everything about Acute Stress Reaction

Everything about Acute Stress Reaction

Blog Outline

What is an acute stress reaction? If this is the kind of question that is wandering in your mind, then you are already in the right place at the right time. This is because we are about to discuss everything related to how acute stress response comes into existence.

Defining Acute Stress Reaction

It is a type of reaction that usually occurs in response to the onset of acute stress disorder (ASD). ASD itself occurs as a response to a traumatic event rather quickly (like in a week) and usually lasts for three days but can persist for up to a month. Acute means quick, which means that the symptoms develop quickly and do not last long after a traumatic event like a serious accident, or sudden bereavement. The acute stress reaction symptoms are

not dissimilar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in terms of the symptoms considering it can develop if the related symptoms persist for a longer period than associated with an acute stress reaction.

Read More: Acute Stress Disorder Vs. PTSD: Understanding The Difference

The Causes of Acute Stress Reaction

Around 6 to 33% of the population who do some kind of combat are bound to experience ASD at some point in their lives, according to the US Department of Veteran Affairs. Acute stress reactions that have been experienced by people tend to be victims of terrorist incidents, major disasters, or war. Similarly, this also puts military personnel at higher risk as a result of living through extreme experiences during conflicts. As mentioned before, traumatic events that create intense fear, horror, or helplessness, can cause ASD to include:

  • death of someone close to you aka bereavement
  • threat of death to oneself or others
  • threat of serious injury to oneself or others
  • threat to the physical or biological health of oneself or others

Acute Stress Response Symptoms

The acute stress response symptoms can be separated into two different types: psychological and physical (1). Each of these can be debilitating in some form or another. The psychological acute stress disorder symptoms are:

  • Anxiety
  • Low or depressive mood
  • Extreme irritability
  • Emotional ups and downs
  • Poor sleep hygiene
  • Poor concentration and focus
  • Social anxiety
  • recurrent dreams or flashbacks, which tend to be intrusive and unpleasant.
  • Triggering memories that cause stress and anxiety, which may lead to avoidance behavior
  • Reckless or aggressive behavior that can be considered self-destructive
  • Feeling emotionally numb and detached from others, even friends and family

The physical acute stress disorder symptoms are described below and are usually brought on by hormonal changes, for example, the release of a stress hormone called adrenaline (epinephrine) in response to the acute dress reaction:

  • Palpitations, which sound like a “thumping heart”
  • Nausea, which is the urge to vomit
  • Chest pains
  • Headaches or migraines.
  • Abdominal pains
  • Breathing difficulties

Reexperiencing The Traumatic Event

One of the most major acute stress disorder symptoms is the persistent reexperiences of the traumatic event brought on by ASD and also considered to be an onset of PTSD:

  • The sufferer might be suffering through seeing recurring images, thoughts, nightmares, illusions, or flashback episodes of the traumatic event
  • Feeling like you’re reliving the traumatic event persistently
  • Distressed when something reminds you of the traumatic event

Risk Factors Associated With Acute Stress Reaction

The risk factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder also apply to ASD. Consistently, there is predominant evidence that ASD is exacerbated through the presence of the following (2-4):

  • History of another trauma or pre-trauma psychiatric disorder
  • Persistent traumatic exposures pre-exposure
  • ASD seems to prefer the female gender
  • Higher severity and intensity of trauma
  • Neuroticism (also called negative emotions)
  • Avoidant coping and avoidance behavior

Read More: Understanding Episodic Acute Stress: Causes, Symptoms, And Management

The Relationship Between Acute Stress Reaction and PTSD

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a persistent form of ASD that often turns into it. It is not true the other way around(5). This phenomenon is predominantly evidenced in severely injured US troops who were assessed at 1-month, 4-month, and 7-month intervals respectively. Research also evidenced the fact that 78.8% of those who had a disorder at 7-month did not attract a diagnosis at 1 month. There is also a trend of delayed emergence, which was found in the screening of military populations who had been experiencing an increase in the symptoms during the first six months following deployment (5). This likely suggests that sufferers of acute stress disorder symptoms will see those symptoms evolve into PTSD or delayed onset PTSD. Therefore, treatment is promptly needed as PTSD has more dire consequences due to being more persistent and severe and tends to stay for a very long time and at times is not even curable.

Treatment of Acute Stress Reaction

Acute stress reaction is extremely curable if the treatment is done the right way. There are two suitable ways you can do that. In terms of psychotherapy (talk therapy), a trauma-based CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy – A goal-based and short-term psychotherapy, where the patient tries to come to terms with the negative patterns that lead to problematic behavior when suffering from a mental condition) can be used to treat acute stress disorder symptoms or anything related to some kind of stress reaction for that matter. A trauma-based CBT involves, trauma-focused CBT involves education on how your body responds to trauma and stress, symptom management skills, identification and reframing of problematic thinking patterns, and exposure therapy.

When it comes to medication, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), both of which tinker with neurotransmitters in our brain to induce positive effects, can be used. Although, there is minimal evidence supporting the use of medications to treat acute stress disorder.

Additionally, lifestyle changes like stretching and exercise are beneficial, but self-soothing techniques such as counting one’s own breaths, meditating, or self-hypnosis can also be equally helpful.

Read More: Trauma Brain Vs Normal Brain: How Trauma Affects The Way We Live

Wrapping Up!

We have spewed everything about an acute stress reaction on this page, and we hope you absorbed this knowledge properly. If it is a treatment that you are looking for to treat it or other mental conditions like adjustment disorder, ADHD, depression, OCD, mood disorder, panic disorder, MDD, or bipolar disorder through treatments described above and the alternative ones like telehealth psychiatry.

References and Footnotes:
  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/acute-stress-disorder
  2. Barton KA, Blanchard EB, Hickling EJ. Antecedents and consequences of acute stress disorder among motor vehicle accident victims. Behav Res Ther 1996; 34:805.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8952123/
  3. Harvey AG, Bryant RA. Predictors of acute stress following motor vehicle accidents. J Trauma Stress 1999; 12:519.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10467559/
  4. Harvey AG, Bryant RA. Predictors of acute stress following mild traumatic brain injury. Brain Inj 1998; 12:147.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9492962/
  5. McFarlane, A.C. (2010), The long-term costs of traumatic stress: intertwined physical and psychological consequences. World Psychiatry, 9: 3-10. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2051-5545.2010.tb00254.x
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20148146/

Frequently Asked Questions

Stretching and exercise are beneficial, but self-soothing techniques such as counting one’s own breaths, meditating, or self-hypnosis can also work.

The diagnosis of ASD can only be considered from 3 days to one month following a traumatic event, which is commonly referred to as the acute phase.

In the digestive system, stress can cause nausea or vomiting.

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Richard Samedra.

PMHNP-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.

Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.

Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.

Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

 

Shaheena Gazipura

PMHNP-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.

Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.

Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.

Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.

Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

PMHNP-BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry

Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.

With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.

A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.

Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.

Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

PMHNP-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.
“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”
Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.
Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.