What distinguishes acute stress disorder from PTSD?

Acute stress disorder is specifically characterized by the onset of symptoms that occur within three days to one month following exposure to a traumatic event. This timeframe is crucial in distinguishing it from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which involves symptoms lasting longer than one month and may arise at any time following the trauma. By identifying acute stress disorder as a condition defined by its immediate response to trauma, it emphasizes the importance of early intervention and treatment.

Other options present inaccuracies regarding the definitions and timeframes associated with these disorders. For instance, PTSD is not exclusively related to a second traumatic event but can develop after a single traumatic experience. Additionally, acute stress disorder can indeed include symptoms such as flashbacks, while PTSD symptoms persisting for less than one month would not meet the criteria for acquiring that diagnosis. This underlines the need for careful assessment after trauma to determine the appropriate clinical classification and treatment approach.