In our first of our multi-part series, Better Know a Diagnosis, we are looking at the criteria and treatment for Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) 308.3. First of all, what’s with the weird number associated with it – 308.3? This is the numerical classification as it’s listed within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-V) and  the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-9-CM). The ICD-9 is the standard diagnostic tool healthcare professionals. The ICD is maintained by the World Health Organization ( healthcare authority within the United Nations System). The DSM-V is the US classification of mental health issues. 

Enough about the number, let’s dig in to what ASD really is. 

Criteria

ASD sounds like what you think it is – a diagnosis that relates to a specific stressor (event, thing, person, etc.). There must be a clear temporal connection between the impact of an exceptional stressor and the onset of symptoms; onset is usually within a few minutes or days but may occur up to one month after the stressor. In addition, the symptoms show a mixed and usually changing picture; in addition to the initial state of “daze,” depression, anxiety, anger, despair, overactivity, and withdrawal may all be seen, but no one type of symptom predominates for long; the symptoms usually resolve rapidly in those cases where removal from the stressful environment is possible; in cases where the stress continues or cannot by its nature be reversed, the symptoms usually begin to diminish after 24–48 hours and are usually minimal after about 3 days.

If symptoms last for more than a month, then the patient might be instead diagnosed with PTSD.

Treatment

This disorder may resolve itself with time or may develop into a more severe disorder such as PTSD. Some researchers found that re-experiences of the traumatic event and arousal were better predictors of PTSD. Medication can be used for a short duration (up to four weeks).

Studies have been conducted to assess the usefulness of counseling and psychotherapy for people with ASD. Cognitive behavioral therapy which included exposure and cognitive restructuring was found to be effective in preventing PTSD in patients diagnosed with ASD with clinically significant results at 6 months follow-up. A combination of relaxation, cognitive restructuring, imaginal exposure, and in vivo exposure was superior to supportive counseling.

That’s it for ASD. Check back next time for our next post on diagnoses.