11-08-2025
What to know about chronic vs. acute post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
When people talk about acute PTSD, they are likely referring to acute stress disorder, which is also called post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS). Acute stress disorder symptoms occur within the first month after someone experiences a traumatic contrast, when someone talks about chronic PTSD, they are likely referring to the standard definition of PTSD. In the standard definition of PTSD, symptoms occur for longer than 1 month after someone experiences a traumatic symptom criteria for acute stress disorder and PTSD are the same. The only difference is that a doctor may diagnose someone with PTSD if their symptoms last for more than 1 people with acute stress disorder are likely to develop PTSD, but not everyone with acute stress disorder will develop of acute stress disorder and PTSD may include:Re-experiencing symptoms: Examples include flashbacks and recurring nightmares or memories related to the traumatic event. Arousal and reactivity symptoms: Examples include feeling tense or easily startled, difficulty sleeping, and irritability. Cognition and mood symptoms: Examples include difficulty remembering key details about the traumatic event, difficulty concentrating, and no longer having an interest in previous hobbies. Avoidance symptoms: Examples include avoiding thoughts and feelings related to the traumatic event and staying away from reminders of it. People should note that examples in the list above are not exhaustive, and each individual may experience different symptoms of acute stress disorder and who suspects they are experiencing acute stress disorder or PTSD should contact a healthcare professional. A mental health professional can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment, such as psychotherapy and more about PTSD17 symptoms of PTSD explainedRelationships and PTSD: What to knowTypes of PTSDIs PTSD hereditary? How genes play a role
