Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): The Daily PANCE Blueprint

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Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): The Daily PANCE Blueprint

A 25-year-old man presents to the clinic 10 days after surviving a violent assault. He reports experiencing significant distress, including flashbacks of the event, sleep disturbances, and a persistent feeling of numbness. He actively avoids places that remind him of the assault and feels constantly on edge. He inquires about his diagnosis and treatment options. Which of the following characteristics differentiates Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

A. Presence of flashbacks
B. Avoidance of reminders
C. Duration of symptoms
D. Experiencing distress
E. Hyperarousal symptoms

Answer and topic summary

The answer is C. Duration of symptoms

The primary distinguishing feature between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the duration of symptoms. ASD symptoms occur immediately after the traumatic event and last from 3 days up to 1 month. If symptoms persist for more than 1 month, the diagnosis may transition to PTSD. This temporal criterion is crucial for differentiating between the two disorders, with ASD serving as an acute reaction to trauma and PTSD representing a longer-term response.

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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:

Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Psychiatry ⇒ Trauma and stressor-related disorders (PEARLS) ⇒ Acute stress disorder (ASD)