WHEN DISASTER STRIKES, ACUTE STRESS DISORDER MAY FOLLOW

During and immediately following a traumatic event, people may manifes t a pattern of dissociative and anxiety symptoms and other reactions, referred to as Acute Stress Disorder. A review of the empirical litera ture on psychological reactions to trauma suggest that this pattern of symptoms has often been identified across different kinds of traumati c events. It is likely to constitute a psychological adaptation to a s tressful event, limiting painful thoughts and feelings associated with the event and allowing the person to function at least minimally. Con tinuation of these symptoms, however, may impair the person's quality of life and disrupt social and other functioning. If symptoms last bey ond a month following the traumatic event, Post Traumatic Stress Disor der (PTSD) may ensue, continuing for months or even years after the pr ecipitating event. Hence, it is important to be able to identify this pattern of reactions that may be manifested in reaction to trauma, so that appropriate intervention can be provided. Although it was not off icially recognized in the 3rd edition Diagnostic and Statistical Manua l (DSM-III-R), Acute Stress Disorder is included as a separate diagnos is in the DSM-IV.