title: Clinical inquiries: what is the most effective way to relieve symptoms of acute stress disorder?
abstract: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that emphasizes exposure-based treatment is the most effective intervention for adults with acute stress disorder (ASD). Exposure-based therapy reduces symptoms in adults with ASD more than CBT that focuses on cognitive restructuring; both therapies are better than no treatment at all. Avoid drug treatment within 4 weeks of appearance of symptoms, unless distress is too severe to be managed with psychological treatment alone.
authors: Eglin Air Force Base Family Medicine Residency, Eglin AFB, FL, USA.
authors: James M
authors: JM
authors: Scott
authors: Neil
authors: N
authors: Nipper
authors: Rita
authors: R
authors: Smith
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D040701:Stress Disorders, Traumatic, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires