What they are
- Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): intense stress reactions within the first month after a traumatic event (accident, assault, disaster). Symptoms can resemble PTSD but are time-limited; some people recover naturally, others benefit from early support.
- Adjustment Disorder: significant emotional or behavioral symptoms (anxiety, low mood, irritability, poor sleep) in response to a life change or stressor (move, breakup, job loss, illness). Symptoms begin within 3 months of the stressor and improve when stress reduces or with support.
Both are treatable and do not mean you’ll develop a longer-term disorder.
Common signs and symptoms
- After trauma (ASD): intrusive memories, nightmares, feeling “spaced out,” hypervigilance, avoidance, irritability, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating
- With life changes (Adjustment): worry, sadness, hopelessness, frequent tears, sleep/appetite changes, conflict, drop in performance, withdrawal
- Impact: trouble keeping routines, strained relationships, difficulty functioning at work/school
Why they happen
- The body’s alarm system is heightened after trauma; memories and sensations feel raw
- Big life changes challenge routines, identity, and support systems
- Sleep disruption, isolation, and uncertainty can prolong distress
What helps right now
- Safety and basics first: medical care if needed, safe housing, regular meals, re-establish sleep
- Grounding and breathing: 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding; extended exhale breathing (inhale 4, exhale 6–8)
- Gentle structure: small daily goals; reconnect with supportive people
- Limit overload: reduce doomscrolling; set news check-ins; avoid excess alcohol/substances
Evidence-based treatments
- For ASD:
- Early, brief trauma-focused therapies can reduce progression to PTSD (e.g., modified Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing approaches)
- Psychoeducation and coping skills; monitor sleep and nightmares
- For Adjustment Disorder:
- Short-term therapies (CBT, problem-solving therapy, interpersonal therapy) to build coping, restructure routines, and process the stressor
- Medications:
- Used based on specific symptoms (e.g., short-term sleep support, SSRIs/SNRIs for persistent anxiety/depression). Benzodiazepines are generally avoided after trauma due to limited benefit and risks.
Most people improve with time and support; therapy can speed recovery.
When to seek help now
- Symptoms interfere with work/school/relationships for more than a few weeks
- Severe anxiety, depression, or inability to sleep/function
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (seek urgent help)
How to talk to a clinician
- “Since [event/change], I’ve had [intrusions/worry/low mood/sleep issues] that affect daily life. I’d like brief therapy focused on coping and routines, and to discuss whether short-term medication support makes sense.”
Outlook
ASD often improves over weeks; early therapy can reduce later PTSD risk. Adjustment Disorder typically resolves within months, especially with targeted skills and support.
Resources for readers in the USA
- Immediate help: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call/text 988); Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741); Veterans: 988 then 1; The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
- Find care: FindTreatment.gov; Psychology Today directory; NAMI HelpLine (nami.org/help)
- Trauma resources: National Child Traumatic Stress Network (nctsn.org); VA PTSD resources (ptsd.va.gov)
- Low-cost/community: Open Path Collective; Community Health Centers (findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov); 211
- Insurance tips: Verify in-network mental health benefits, telehealth, deductible, copay/coinsurance, prior authorization, out-of-network reimbursement, out-of-pocket max; note rep name/date/reference number
- Work/school supports: FMLA, ADA accommodations (temporary adjustments), EAP; campus counseling
- Urgent options besides ER: Mobile Crisis via 988 (where available), behavioral urgent care
Disclaimer: Educational information, not a diagnosis. If in crisis, use the resources above.