Acute Stress Disorder Help in Houston
We Treat A Wide Range of Dual Diagnosis Patients who suffer from Mental Health & Substance Abuse Disorders
Whether you or a loved one are facing mental health challenges or struggling with substance use disorder, our team is equipped to help you begin the journey to recovery.
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a mental health condition that can develop following exposure to a traumatic event like a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist attack, or combat. It includes symptoms such as intense fear, helplessness, and horror, along with intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks that cause the individual to relive the trauma.
What Is &
Acute Stress Disorder?
What Are The Physical And
Mental Symptoms Acute Stress Diorder?
If you or someone you know may be struggling with ASD it is important to know all the physical and mental symptoms. This way you can start thinking about getting the help you deserve.
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The physical symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) can include:
- Increased heart rate: May include rapid or pounding heartbeats, palpitations, or chest pain.
- Muscle tension: Can manifest as tight muscles, headaches, or back pain.
- Nausea and digestive problems: Symptoms may include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Sweating: Includes excessive perspiration or shakiness.
- Shortness of breath: Can involve breathing difficulties or hyperventilation.
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion or low energy levels.
The mental symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) can include:
- Intrusive thoughts and re-experiencing the traumatic event: Recurrent and distressing memories, nightmares, flashbacks, or distressing thoughts about the event.
- Avoidance behaviors: Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event, including people, places, or activities associated with it.
- Negative alterations in mood and cognition: Feelings of guilt, shame, fear, anger, or hopelessness, and a reduced interest or pleasure in life.
- Hyperarousal symptoms: Difficulty sleeping, irritability, heightened startle response, anger outbursts, or trouble focusing.
- Dissociative symptoms: Feeling detached from oneself or perceiving the surroundings as unreal.
- Psychological distress: Anxiety, panic attacks, or depressive symptoms.
How Is Acute
Disorder Diagnosed?
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is diagnosed when specific symptoms develop within three days to one month after a traumatic event. The criteria for diagnosis are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
A qualified mental health provider—such as a psychologist or psychiatrist—typically conducts the diagnosis. This evaluation may include a thorough medical and psychological history, a physical examination, and a clinical interview. Providers may also use standardized assessment tools to better understand the individual’s symptoms.
Because ASD shares symptoms with other conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, and depression, clinicians must thoroughly analyze all aspects of the case to ensure an accurate and informed diagnosis.
Who Is At Risk Of
Developing Acute Stress Disorder?
Anyone who has gone through a traumatic experience may be at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but certain factors can heighten that risk, including:
- Severity and length of the trauma: The more intense, prolonged, or life-threatening the event, the higher the likelihood of developing PTSD.
- Mental health history: Those with previous mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, face a higher risk.
- Lack of support: Individuals without strong emotional or social support may be more vulnerable to PTSD.
- Ongoing stress: High stress levels from daily life or circumstances, like financial pressure, can increase the risk.
- Repeated trauma exposure: Experiencing multiple or prolonged traumatic events can significantly raise the risk of PTSD.
How Is Acute
Stress Disorder Treated?
Solace Texas is an outpatient program that can help people with mental health. We understand that each individual will have different needs and are prepared to come up with a customized treatment plan.
- Individual Therapy – One-on-one therapy with one of our licensed clinicians is used to help the person with co-occurring disorders lessen symptoms of both disorders. This kind of talk therapy can be vital in finding recovery.
- Group Therapy – Group therapy is used to help clients find community and develop social skills while being supervised by a therapist. This therapy can help with communication skills and conflict resolution.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT is an evidence-based therapy is that has been proven to help in the treatment of substance use disorder and mental disorders. It helps patients recognize their negative thoughts so they can see situations more clearly and respond accordingly.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – This evidence-based behavior therapy teaches patients new skills to enhance their life. Skills developed during this therapy are distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Experiential Therapy – This therapy is used to get patients involved in recreational activities, especially ones that they may have lost interest in during their struggles. Some activities we offer are yoga, hiking, art therapy, and meditation.
At Solace Texas, we treat a wide range of mental health and substance use disorders. In addition to treating substance use disorder, we are also equipped to treat these mental health disorders:
- Anxiety Disorder
- Depressive Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Trauma-Related Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and mental health disorders, please contact our team to find the treatment that best fits your needs.
