Acute Stress Disorder Diagnosis and Management

Temporal Criteria

• Symptoms of acute stress disorder occur 3 days to 1 month after traumatic exposure, as defined by the DSM-5 1
• If symptoms persist beyond one month, the diagnosis shifts to PTSD, according to the American Psychiatric Association 2

Clinical Intervention

• Early identification of acute stress disorder allows for targeted intervention during the critical window when brief cognitive behavioral therapy can speed recovery 3
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends active screening and monitoring in the early period after trauma exposure, particularly in children and other vulnerable groups, rather than waiting passively for the one-month mark 1