Acute Stress Reaction
Definition
An acute stress reaction is a transient disorder that
develops in an individual without any other apparent
mental disorder in response to exceptional physical and
mental stress. It usually subsides within hours or days.
Individual vulnerability and coping capacity play a role
in the occurrence and severity of acute stress reactions.
The symptoms show a typically mixed and changing
picture and include an initial state of “daze” with some
constriction of the field of consciousness and narrowing
of attention, inability to comprehend stimuli, and disorientation.
This state may be followed either by further
withdrawal from the surrounding situation or by agitation
and over-activity (flight reaction or fugue). Autonomic
signs of panic anxiety (tachycardia, sweating,
flushing) are commonly present. The symptoms usually
appear within minutes of the impact of the stressful
stimulus or event, and disappear within two to three
days (often within hours).
Cross-References
Stress
Tags: acute stress, agitation, consciousness, constriction, cross references, flight reaction, initial state, mental disorder, mental stress, occurrence, panic anxiety, severity, signs, stimuli, stimulus, stress reaction, stress reactions, tachycardia, vulnerability