Acute stress disorder vs adjustment disorder: Signs & treatment

Summary: Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Adjustment Disorder (AD) are both stress-related mental health conditions, but they differ in cause, symptoms, and duration. AD arises from major life changes or ongoing stress, leading to emotional distress, anxiety, and social withdrawal. ASD, on the other hand, results from traumatic events and includes severe fear, flashbacks, and dissociation. Treatment varies, with AD benefiting from therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes, while ASD often requires trauma-focused therapy and crisis intervention.

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Adjustment Disorder (AD) are both mental health conditions triggered by stress, but they differ in terms of symptoms, duration, and treatment strategies. While both conditions impact individuals who have experienced major life changes or traumatic events, understanding their differences is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Let’s explore the differences between Acute Stress Disorder and Adjustment Disorder, focusing on their signs, symptoms, and treatment approaches.   

What’s the difference between adjustment and acute stress disorders?

Adjustment Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) both encompass emotional and psychological reactions to stressful situations. Adjustment Disorder is usually prompted by significant life alterations or persistent stress, whereas ASD is a response to intense trauma. Recognising their distinctions can aid in identifying symptoms and obtaining the necessary support. 

Aspect	Adjustment Disorder	Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
Definition	Emotional or behavioural difficulties triggered by a specific stressor. Symptoms arise within three months of the event and are more intense than expected.	A severe stress reaction following exposure to a traumatic event (accident, assault, disaster). Symptoms begin within three days and persist for up to one month after the trauma.
Causes	Major life transitions or challenges (divorce, job loss, relocation, financial strain). Ongoing stressors (chronic illness, family disputes).	Direct or indirect exposure to trauma (witnessing or experiencing a life-threatening situation). Shares similarities with PTSD but has a shorter duration.
Symptoms	Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, excessive worry, or anxiety. Trouble focusing, social withdrawal, or disruptions in sleep and appetite. Emotional distress that significantly impacts daily activities.	Recurrent distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks related to the trauma. Feelings of detachment, emotional numbness, or heightened alertness. Avoidance of reminders associated with the traumatic event.
Type of Stressor	Can be caused by any significant life stress, even if it is not life-threatening. Includes common challenges like work stress, academic pressure, or relationship conflicts.	Always linked to trauma, such as physical violence, accidents, or natural disasters. The stressor must be severe and perceived as life-threatening.

Difference in symptoms

Adjustment Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) both involve emotional turmoil; however, they differ in terms of severity and symptom characteristics. 

Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder include:

• Emotional symptoms: Ongoing sadness, anxiety, excessive worries, feelings of despair, and fluctuating moods. 
• Cognitive symptoms: Trouble focusing, intrusive thoughts related to the stressor, and negative self-image. 
• Behavioural symptoms: Withdrawal from social interactions, avoidance of stress-inducing situations, and changes in sleep or eating patterns. 

Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder consist of:

• Emotional symptoms include severe fear, terror, emotional numbing, abrupt mood changes, and a sense of disconnection. 
• Cognitive symptoms: Flashbacks, unwanted memories, confusion, disorientation, and experiences of dissociation (feeling separated from oneself). 
• Behavioural symptoms include avoidance of anything linked to the trauma, hyperawareness (constantly feeling alert), and exaggerated startle reflexes. 

Also read: Acute stress disorder: Symptoms & next steps

Treatment

Though both Adjustment Disorder (AD) and Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) need psychological assistance, their treatment methods differ according to how severe and long-lasting the symptoms are: 

For Adjustment Disorder, treatments include:

• Psychotherapy (talk therapy): Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) assists individuals in altering negative thoughts and forming coping mechanisms. 
• Support groups: Participating in group therapy or peer support circles offers emotional affirmation. 
• Lifestyle adjustments: Regular physical activity, relaxation practices (such as meditation and yoga), and fostering social interactions can enhance resilience. 
• Medications (if necessary): Temporary use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs may be recommended for severe symptoms. 

For Acute Stress Disorder, treatment options encompass:

• Trauma-focused therapy: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Exposure Therapy aid individuals in processing and reframing traumatic memories. 
• Crisis intervention: Immediate psychological support can prevent the development of PTSD. 
• Relaxation and stress management: Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and grounding can help alleviate anxiety and feelings of dissociation. 
• Medications (if necessary): Brief use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or sleep aids may be advised for significant distress or sleep difficulties. 

Also read: The Hidden Costs Of Stress: From Burnout To Balance

Online therapy options

Online therapy provides accessible assistance for both Adjustment Disorder (AD) and Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). Services like Hola Health connect users with licensed therapists who specialise in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed treatment, and stress management. Telehealth services offer flexible scheduling, enabling individuals to seek help from their homes. Mental health treatment plans (MHTPs) can guide therapy by outlining specific goals and strategies. Numerous online platforms conduct initial evaluations to create customised treatment paths. For more severe symptoms, virtual consultations with psychiatrists can include medication management. 

Online therapy guarantees ongoing care, minimising obstacles to seeking assistance and fostering recovery through regular emotional support and evidence-based approaches. 

In conclusion, while both Acute Stress Disorder and Adjustment Disorder are caused by significant stress, they differ in their origins, symptoms, and treatment methods. ASD is related to trauma and generally involves more intense symptoms, while AD is a response to life changes and is characterised by emotional discomfort. Early intervention is important for both, with therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and stress management strategies vital for recovery. Understanding these distinctions helps ensure more targeted and effective care for individuals dealing with stress-related issues.