Adult Acute Stress Disorder
  1. Diagnosis
  2. Medication
  3. Recommendation

Recommendation

Immediate Interventions:
- Psychological First Aid (psychological debriefing not recommended) (SOR C)
- Ensure adequate pain control (if applicable)
- Evaluate for acute, profound, and/or disabling anxiety, agitation, or sleep disturbance. If so, consider short (2-3 week) trial of benzodiazepine (Avoid if significant dissociative symptoms) (SOR C)
Psychological First Aid Core Actions:
Consider accessing Psychological First Aid resources such as National Center for PTSD, WHO PSA Field Guide, PFA Mobile App, Psychological First Aid for Health Professionals

Psychological First Aid Core Actions:
- Contact and Engagement
- Safety and Comfor
- Stabilization
- Information Gathering
- Practical Assistance
- Links to Social Supports
- Information on Coping
- Links to Services
Subsequent continued symptoms 2-4 weeks after trauma exposure:
Trauma Focused CBT (If available) (SOR A)
Persistent symptoms greater than one month after trauma exposure:
If yes- Evaluate for PTSD and see PTSD decision support)
If no- Acute stress disorder resolved

Disclaimer: The decision support tools included are designed to be informational and to reflect current accepted practices at the time of publication. These tools are not intended to replace professional medical judgment or treatment of specific conditions. Heart of Texas Community Health Center (dba Waco Family Medicine) and the authors accept no responsibility for any damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs or expenses arising from use of the decision support tools contained herein.