What does acute stress disorder commonly include following a traumatic event?

What does acute stress disorder commonly include following a traumatic event?

• A. Increased social engagement
• B. Amnesia about the event
• C. Obsessive thoughts about the event
• D. Reduction in avoidance behavior

Answer: (B)

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is characterized by a range of symptoms that may manifest immediately after a traumatic event. One common symptom of ASD is amnesia about the traumatic event, which can occur as a protective mechanism to help the individual cope with overwhelming emotions associated with the experience. This type of dissociative symptom can make it difficult for the person to recall specific details of the trauma, leading to a sense of disconnection from the event itself. In contrast, other options present characteristics that do not align with the typical presentation of acute stress disorder. For instance, increased social engagement is generally not associated with ASD, as individuals may instead withdraw or isolate themselves due to heightened anxiety and distress. Similarly, obsessive thoughts about the event can occur but are more characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rather than ASD. Lastly, a reduction in avoidance behavior would not be expected following a traumatic experience; instead, individuals with ASD often engage in avoidance as a way to manage their symptoms and reduce their exposure to reminders of the trauma. Thus, the mention of amnesia about the event accurately reflects a defining symptom of acute stress disorder.

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is characterized by a range of symptoms that may manifest immediately after a traumatic event. One common symptom of ASD is amnesia about the traumatic event, which can occur as a protective mechanism to help the individual cope with overwhelming emotions associated with the experience. This type of dissociative symptom can make it difficult for the person to recall specific details of the trauma, leading to a sense of disconnection from the event itself.

In contrast, other options present characteristics that do not align with the typical presentation of acute stress disorder. For instance, increased social engagement is generally not associated with ASD, as individuals may instead withdraw or isolate themselves due to heightened anxiety and distress. Similarly, obsessive thoughts about the event can occur but are more characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rather than ASD. Lastly, a reduction in avoidance behavior would not be expected following a traumatic experience; instead, individuals with ASD often engage in avoidance as a way to manage their symptoms and reduce their exposure to reminders of the trauma. Thus, the mention of amnesia about the event accurately reflects a defining symptom of acute stress disorder.