Acute Stress Disorder: How to Spot It and How to Treat It

In the last ten years, awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has grown significantly, thanks in part to movements like #MeToo and large-scale events like the COVID-19 pandemic. But a related condition, Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), is a common traumatic experience that also occurs with more frequency than most of us realize.

Unlike PTSD, which develops over time after repeated or long-term trauma, ASD often emerges quickly in the aftermath of a single, short-term traumatic event. The symptoms can feel just as overwhelming, but they tend to appear fast and usually resolve within a month.

The 2025 Los Angeles wildfires are a recent example. The fires tore through over 50,000 acres, took 29 lives, and displaced thousands of people. For many, exposure to the traumatic event may have lasted only hours or days, but the emotional and psychological impact has been lasting.

To better understand what ASD looks like and how to support people who are dealing with it, I spoke with Psychiatrist, Pain Management Specialist and Clinical Researcher Dr. Rohit Aiyer, Medical Director and Founder of Mind and Brain Link, who works with patients at his clinic, Mind and Brain Link.

1) How do you tell the difference between a patient who is suffering from Acute Stress Disorder versus Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

“The main difference is longevity,” Dr. Aiyer said. If symptoms last less than 30 days it's ASD and if they continue beyond that, it’s considered PTSD. The other difference is that for acute stress disorder, symptom presentation tends to be immediately after the traumatic incident, while PTSD symptoms can sometimes take months or years after the traumatic incident to surface.  Symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and mood disturbances can look very similar across both diagnoses, time is the key qualifier for the correct course of treatment.

2) What are the best ways to treat Acute Stress Disorder?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are commonly used in therapy focused treatment and are very effective in treating ASD. Dr. Aiyer also recommends supportive therapies like group sessions, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, medication. Walking more, exercising, eating healthy and meditating can also play a crucial role in a smooth and effective treatment plan.

3) Since Acute Stress Disorder refers to a short-term traumatic event, are patients susceptible to relapses?

Yes, especially in the period right after the trauma. “The closer someone is to the event, the more intense their symptoms tend to be,” Dr. Aiyer explained. Even though ASD is defined by its time limit, the emotional responses can be just as strong as those associated with PTSD.

4) What words of encouragement would you give someone who is dealing with Acute Stress Disorder as a result of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires?

“The City of LA has stepped up with a number of mental health services—support groups, therapy options, and outreach programs,” he said. “You don’t have to go through this alone. With the right support, it is possible to heal.”

If you or someone you know is navigating the challenges that come with recovering from ASD, don't hesitate to reach out to us.