Acute Stress Disorder & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

This leaflet will help you know about Acute Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), their symptoms, risk factors and treatments.

What is Acute Stress Disorder?

Acute stress disorder is a mental health condition that is triggered by a frightening event that is either experienced or witnessed. Sadly, such experiences can occur during pregnancy or childbirth. With time, women generally are able to readjust and cope, while some have difficulty doing so.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can occurs after a similar sort of event. The difference is that Acute Stress Disorder refers to the immediate response that arises after the event, whereas PTSD is a longer-term problem.

  • Intrusive(unwanted) memories including flashbacks nightmares, severe emotional distress/reactions to something that reminds you of the event
  • Avoid thinking/talking about the event or people, places and activities that remind you of it
  • Negative changes in thinking and mood
  • Changes in physical and emotional reaction
  • Easily frightened
  • Sleep and concentration issues
  • Overwhelming feelings such as guilt / shame

With Acute Stress Disorder, the person feels the symptoms during the first few days or weeks, and then usually improves, gets better with time, support and self-care. It lasts up to one month.

Anything that lasts longer than a month may be PTSD. Acute Stress Disorder doesn’t have to occur before PTSD.

Symptoms could present suddenly for months or even years after the traumatic event. If this is the case, the person may be experiencing PTSD. PTSD can continue for years.

Some things can increase the risk of developing PTSD after a traumatic event, such as:

  • Intense or long-lasting trauma
  • Trauma earlier in life
  • Having other mental health problems
  • Lacking a good support system

  • Make sure you eat regularly
  • Try to sleep on time and adequately
  • Surround yourself with people you find supportive.
  • Take care of yourself and know that things are going to get better!
  • If the symptoms persist and/or start to affect you negatively, consider getting treatment.

The primary treatment is psychotherapy but treatment can also include medication. Combining these treatments can help improve your symptoms by:

  • Teaching you how to deal with your symptoms
  • Helping you think better about yourself, others and the world
  • Treating other problems often related to traumatic experiences, such as depression and anxiety

For questions or concerns, you can reach out to Perinatal Mental Health Services – Women’s Wellbeing Clinic:

Email: WMHnurses@sidra.org
Clinic phone numbers: +97440037109; +97440037177; +97470675153

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