Definition:
Acute stress disorder is one of the anxiety disorders listed in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
Acute stress disorder symptoms occur within one month of the experience of a traumatic event. These symptoms include: dissociation; intrusive thoughts, images, flashbacks, or nightmares about the event; avoidance of reminders of the trauma; and intense anxiety or increased arousal (such as restlessness, easily startled, difficulty sleeping.
If you experience symptoms for longer than one month after the traumatic event, you may be diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Learn more about acute stress disorder from About.com's Guide to PTSD.
Also Known As: ASD
