Acute Stress Disorder involves symptoms similar to PTSD for what duration?

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is characterized by symptoms that resemble those of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but occur within a specific time frame following a traumatic event. The correct duration for ASD symptoms is between 3 days to 1 month after the trauma. This parameter distinguishes Acute Stress Disorder from PTSD, which requires that symptoms persist for longer than 1 month.

Understanding this time frame is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. In clinical practice, recognizing the distinction helps clinicians provide appropriate interventions during the acute phase of stress reactions following trauma. It is crucial for mental health professionals to be aware of these time constraints to guide referrals and therapeutic strategies effectively. The criteria outlined by the DSM-5 emphasize the importance of timing in the assessment of these stress-related disorders.