Diagnosing Acute Stress Disorder (07:07)

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Diagnostic criteria include a traumatic event, a response involving intense fear or helplessness, dissociative symptoms, re-experiencing the event, avoidance of stimuli, anxiety symptoms, distress or impairment in functioning, and ruling out substance use or an underlying medical condition.

Treating Acute Stress Disorder (03:31)

Research indicates that healthier people recover better from traumatic events. Therapeutic strategies include listening to survivor stories, an individual or group debriefing, social support, educating survivors on the recovery process, relaxation techniques, and medication to reduce arousal.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (03:53)

PTSD is associated with acute stress disorder symptoms persisting for more than a month and with functional impairment. Symptoms typically begin within three months of a traumatic event. Hear diagnostic criteria, physical and behavioral symptoms, and prevalence statistics.

PTSD Secondary Symptoms (02:13)

People with PTSD organize their lives to avoid reliving their trauma. Approximately 50% of survivors remit within six months; other cases become chronic. Depression and substance abuse may develop.

Treating PTSD (04:54)

Severity of symptoms and behaviors depend on the traumatic event, unique coping abilities, and social support. Learn about long term psychological and behavioral changes, including substance abuse and negative effects on family. Hear cognitive behavioral therapy methods used.

Credits: Acute and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (00:39)

Credits: Acute and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder