Acute stress response - Research Paper Example

? Acute Stress Response Acute stress response was first described in the early 19th century. This is where the term was first used to describe the reaction that a person exhibits in a stressful situation. These cases were first established by Cannon Walter. He suggested that response to a stimulus brought about these changes in a person. The triggering of hormones by the brain produced different reactions that enabled an individual to handle a given situation. These reactions enabled them to survive the given situation as the will to survive came into play. An individual could choose to run away from danger or confront it. That is why it is sometimes referred to as the flight or fight response. Research done over the years has come up with different treatments for those affected by long time exposure to these responses. Help has come in the form of modern forms of treatment for all those affected, if and when, they need it. This has led to prevention of many from going into depression due to these reactions, and sometimes, death. Introduction-Acute Stress Response Acute stress response has been defined as the reaction that takes over the body due to an occurrence in an individual’s presence. This occurrence could be mental or physical according to what the individual can find terrifying. Usually it is referred to as the fight-or-flight response. This is because the response usually demanded in such situations is either to fight and tackle the threat, or to take flight. Usually the body goes into a state where there is the flow of adrenaline into the system. Adrenaline being the hormones used to make the individual react to a certain stimulus (Austin, 1992). The heart beat and pulse of the individual is often heightened. The blood pressure and the breathing rate are also affected. They seem to increase as the adrenaline is pumped by the central nervous system. The threats that the individual faces could be real or conjured up by the mind. This means that they could be imaginary. This paper will review the various aspects involved in acute stress response in individuals, and the reactions that they often encounter. Symptoms of Acute Stress Reactions There are various symptoms of acute stress reactions. These have been documented as conclusive research has been carried out about it. They include confusion, detachment from the immediate environment, anxiety, agitation, and also depression. As the state of acute stress reactions continue, the person involved is at a very dangerous stage. They might or might not have the ability to be responsible for their actions. This is followed by actions that they may later regret. An example is the agitation symptom stage. At this stage, the individual is likely to be upset at the slightest provocation. This is where the individual may be detached from the immediate environment (Bryant, Harvey, Dang, Sackville & Basten, 1998). They only think of getting themselves from the threat posed to them. Confusion may be the first symptom the individual may experience when a threat is imposed on them. They may not be able to comprehend immediately what they are up against. This makes them dazed for a few seconds, or even minutes. This is before they get back to reality as the adrenaline pumps into their system. This is when they get the urge to act on the threat. At this stage, the individual does not fully comprehend stimulus from the outward environment (Bryant, Harvey, Dang, Sackville & Basten, 1998). For example, they may fail to feel pain inflicted on them by the threat. Only after the threat has been alleviated will they be able to go back to their normal state. This is well after an hour or so. Acute Stress Disorder Acute stress disorder is an anxiety attack that an individual experiences over some time after a really traumatic experience. The anxiety that they face is usually common due to the events that led up to it. After some time, the affected party starts to feel the effects of this traumatic experience (Cherry, 2001). They may start feeling emotionally detached from the environment they are in. Depression starts to kick in. Eventually, the individual gets the feeling of hopelessness. Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder Amnesia may become a problem they experience over that time. They choose to forget the harsh reality they experience. They choose to build a different experience altogether, and their perceptions about things change. They often think they were not the ones affected at the time of the event. This is often a state known as depersonalization. It is the state that an individual may feel a disturbing pain, or fear by reliving the experience (Cherry, 2001). These memories and pain may cause harm to the individual, or those around them. Differences between Acute Stress Reaction and Acute Stress Disorder There is a difference that exists between acute stress reaction and acute stress disorder. The first term involves the reaction that the body is subjected to in the immediate environment, and how it reacts. The second term is where the body is subjected to an event, but it does not react immediately. It comes later on as the individual is subjected to the event over and over again in their mind (Bryant, Moulds, & Nixon, 2003). This later on drives them to get these symptoms that make them become very different, and problematic. The acute stress reactions help individuals overcome situations that were seemingly impossible. The problem is that once a person is in this state, they may not be able to distinguish between what is the right to do, and what is wrong. They may not make the right choices while in this state (Creamer, O’Donnell & Pattison, 2004). The acute stress reaction is a different version of the acute stress disorder. This can make an individual respond to the feelings and emotions around them. Diagnostic Guidelines The diagnostic guidelines that are offered for all these behavioural changes are advised for all those having these symptoms. There could be the removal of these individuals from the environment that is bringing forth these behavioural changes. The stress from this environment could be the reason why they do not go back to their normal state. An immediate connection must be established between the reactions and the individual so as to fully understand what must be done to help them (Fink, 2000). If the symptoms do not go away in the time duration of 24 to 48 hours, then it is safe to diagnose the individual with acute stress disorder. Treatment Strategies Effective treatment strategies can be used to help individuals with both behavioural changes. Treatment may be taken for not more than a month. This means that a person suffering from acute stress reactions should be able to forego these changes in a matter of hours or days. In the event they are prolonged, they run the risk of being diagnosed with acute stress disorder (Fink, 2000). However, individuals that experience acute stress reactions are not highly likely to suffer from acute stress disorder. If they do, then it means that the re-occurrence of a traumatic experience is the cause of this. Counselling and psychotherapy is one treatment strategy that may be suggested to all those suffering from the acute stress reactions (Freeman, 2005). However, for the acute stress disorder, a different method would have to be used. This method would be therapy that focuses on behavioural change. Advising all those suffering from these symptoms would be to relax. Relaxation would be the main manner in which these individuals can learn to forego their main symptoms. Counselling and support from family and friends could also go a long way in enabling patients to recover effectively. The treatment of acute stress disorder has been termed as successful. This is using the six session treatment of this disorder. It is known as the cognitive behavioural therapy. This mode of therapy involves a patient getting familiar with a psychologist while telling of their traumatic experiences (Johnson, 2006). After these sessions are done, it is the patient’s duty to make a follow up after the sessions are done. It is usually done after 4 weeks of exposure to a traumatic experience. This treatment stops further development of the disorder past a period of six months. Treatment Differences in Acute Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Reactions There is a difference that exists between treatment of acute stress disorder and acute stress reactions. Acute stress reactions can be treated by offering a patient counselling. Encouraging the patients to be open about their fears gets them to get familiar with their surroundings. Fears could cause an individual to get very irrational (Moberg & Mench, 2000). Sometimes they do things they would not ordinarily do. The counselling is topped up by sessions of psychotherapy. The difference between the treatments of both acute stress reactions and acute stress disorder is majorly in the way it is administered. The resulting symptoms could enable an individual to lead a life that is free of troubles. Troubles brought on by stress disorders and reactions could make a person feel left out. They often feel isolated and misunderstood. This often leads them into a state of depression that is hard to come out of. In the event it gets out of hand, these cases often end up in death (Lambert, 2004). The individuals feel like they might have lost everything. This then makes them very helpless against their own actions. It is, therefore, very important that these cases be dealt with as soon and as fast as they appear in a person’s life. There are factors that could help an individual cope with trauma. Having a daily routine designed for all those affected could be very helpful. This can make them look forward to a new day of doing something that they might enjoy. Doing this, a person does not have the time to think of the traumatising experience they might have encountered (Pfaff, 2002). Also, the problem associated with trauma can be addressed easily. This is by having the victim develop a personal relationship with another who might have been in a similar position. Empowering oneself as a trauma victim can help them focus on how to make them become better. The beginning of self-empowerment is the beginning of healing (Pfaff, 2002). The spiritual connection involved can help a victim accept treatment. All the problems associated with trauma can be addressed if a person’s religion can allow treatment to continue. Having hope that this traumatic case will in time reduce can enable a victim of trauma to look forward to a better day. This is unlike one who does not think that there will be a time where they will overcome the trauma in their life. Professional help coming in a person’s time of need is very crucial. It is crucial in a manner that enables the professional to properly diagnose the patient. This way, they find possible ways to help them (Lambert, 2004). Treatment on a person with such cases can only be beneficial if the party being treated is willing to accept treatment. Using this professional help, a person suffering from trauma can find other people seeking the same treatment. This can help them understand that they are not alone. Talking about what happened to them can be very helpful in these professional avenues. Conclusion In conclusion, the response that many people may exhibit to stress varies. This means that every person’s ability to deal with stress depends on how well they can relate to their immediate surroundings (Van der Kolk, McFarlane, & weisaeth, 2006). As a response to stress, the person’s hormone levels can come into play. They are to determine if the person can deal with the presented, stressful situation. As the times continue to be harder, it is only fair that people find new methods of coping with situations that produce stress in their lives. This can ensure that everyone leads a happy, content, stress free life. References Austin, L. S. (1992). Responding to Disaster: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals. Oxford: Hart Publishing. Bryant, R. A., Harvey, A. G., Dang, S. T., Sackville, T., & Basten, C. (1998). Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder: A Comparison of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and Supportive Counselling. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Bryant, R. A., Moulds, M. L., & Nixon, R. V. D. (2003). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy of Acute Stress Disorder: A four-year follow-up. Australia: Hart Publishing. Cherry, K. (2001). What Is the Acute Stress Response? New York: W. W. Norton. Creamer, M., O'Donnell, M.L., & Pattison, P. (2004). Acute stress Disorder is of Limited Benefit in Predicting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in People Surviving Traumatic Injury. London: Sage. Fink, G. (2000). Encyclopaedia of Stress. New York: Free Press. Freeman, S. J. (2005). Grief and Loss: Understanding the Journey. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole. Johnson, K. (2006). After the storm: Healing After Trauma, Tragedy and Terror. New York: Bantam Books. Lambert, M. J., (2004). Bergin and Garfield's Handbook of Psychotherapy and Behavioural Change. New York: Wiley & Sons. Moberg, G. P., & Mench, J. A. (2000). The Biology of Animal Stress: Basic Principles and Implications for Animal Behaviour. New York: Springer. Pfaff, D. W. (2002). Hormones, Brains and Behaviour: Volume 5. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Van der Kolk, B. A., McFarlane, A. C., & Weisaeth, L. (2006). Traumatic Stress: The Effects of Overwhelming Experience on Mind, Body and Society. New York: The Guildford Press. Read More