Distinguish between adjustment disorder, acute stress disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder with respect to the nature of the precipitating event, the symptoms required for diagnosis, and the duration of the symptoms

Benedek (2018) defines adjustment disorder as a stress-related condition that occurs in response to an unexpected or stressful event and the stress caused leads to substantial problems for the individual at work, in his/her relationships, or at school. An illness, going to school, work problems, death of a loved one, or other significant life changes can cause stress.  Symptoms of this disorder are largely associated with how an individual thinks and feels about his/herself and the world; it can also affect behavior and actions. Symptoms include hopelessness, feeling sad, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, and suicidal thoughts and behavior among others. These symptoms start within 3 months after the stressful event takes place. They last no longer than six months after the stressful event ends.

Acute stress disorder (ASD) on the other hand is a condition characterized by psychological distress that occurs immediately after one experiences a traumatic experience within a month after the event happens. Those symptoms usually persist for three or more days. Symptoms of this disorder include negative thoughts, low mood, nightmares, flashbacks, depersonalization, derealization, and feeling on edge, numbing emotions, and guilty feelings (Casey & Strain, 2015).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is characterized by later-stage distress as well as difficulties in coping with traumatic aftermath. A diagnosis of PTSD is done when distressful symptoms persist for over a month. However, unlike ASD, symptoms of PTSD can develop long after the event has occurred such as months or years after the traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include those of ASD; they include intrusive symptoms such as flashbacks, memories, or dreams, negative mood, avoidance symptoms, and hyper-arousal symptoms such as sleeplessness, irritability, hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, and angry outbursts. If not treated, PTSD can persist for a long time, which can disrupt an individual’s life significantly (Benedek, 2018).

References

Benedek, D. M. (2018). Epidemiology of trauma-and stressor-related disorders. Oxford University Press.

Casey, P. R., & Strain, J. J. (Eds.). (2015). Trauma-and Stressor-related Disorders: A Handbook for Clinicians. American Psychiatric Pub.