What distinguishes acute stress disorder from PTSD?

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is characterized by symptoms that arise shortly after a traumatic event and typically last for a shorter duration, usually between three days and four weeks. One of the key features of ASD is the experience of dissociative symptoms, such as feelings of detachment from oneself or difficulty in recalling aspects of the traumatic event.

In contrast, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is diagnosed when these symptoms persist for longer than a month and can lead to chronic distress and impairment in functioning. The presence of dissociative symptoms in ASD is significant as it can affect how individuals process the traumatic event and their emotional response to it.

This distinction is crucial for both diagnosis and treatment, as interventions for ASD can be different from those required for PTSD. Understanding the timeline and nature of the symptoms allows for appropriate care and support to be given to individuals experiencing these disorders.