Difference Between PTSD and ASD

PTSD is post-traumatic stress disorder, which is a stress response to some type of traumatic event. People with PTSD show signs of the condition for more than 30 days. ASD is acute stress disorder and is a response to trauma that only lasts about 30 days. A person with ASD will show symptoms right away after the shocking event, but they do recover in a few days or a couple of weeks. An individual with PTSD does not recover quickly from their experience, with the problem persisting for weeks or months. ASD occurs sooner after an event than PTSD, and people with ASD show dissociation from reality. A person with ASD may forget what happened, and feel numbness, and show depersonalization. 

In short, PTSD is a long-term reaction to some type of traumatic occurrence, while ASD is a faster response to trauma that happens within days to a few weeks of the event.

What is PTSD?

Definition:

PTSD is when a person has experienced some type of trauma, such that they develop certain feelings, thoughts, and other problems as a reaction to their experience. An individual who has been in combat is likely to suffer from PTSD, but other events can also trigger the problem. Events like assaults, sexual abuse, and serious medical problems can also cause a person to experience PTSD. A person with PTSD often has flashbacks, where they feel like they are experiencing a traumatic happening. They also may startle quickly and avoid activities that may bring back memories of what occurred. They may suffer insomnia and irritability and aggression. The person may have more negative feelings and lose interest in hobbies they once enjoyed.

Treatment:

Once diagnosed, a person can be helped with medicines and therapy. Psychotherapy is one option of treatment, which can be used in conjunction with SSRI medications. The SSRIs are antidepressants that increase serotonin in the brain, making the person feel happier. 

What is ASD?

Definition:

ASD is a temporary response to an extremely stressful and traumatic occurrence in one’s life. The disorder occurs soon after the event and won’t last longer than about one month. If symptoms persist, the person may be reclassified as having PTSD. An individual with ASD feels numb, may forget some of what has occurred, and may experience additional dissociative signs, such as less awareness of their surroundings, and depersonalization. 

Treatment:

Treatment may include using cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on the trauma, along with psychotherapy. Medication such as antidepressants may help to alleviate some of the symptoms. A mixed approach may be considered, using both medicine and therapy to help the person with ASD.

Difference between PTSD and ASD?

Definition

PTSD is a reaction to trauma that persists beyond one month. ASD is an immediate reaction to an upsetting happening, which lasts no more than 30 days.

Onset

The start of PTSD symptoms is 30 days beyond the traumatic experience. The beginning of ASD is within days of the upsetting occurrence.

Duration

The duration of PTSD varies but is always more than 30 days. ASD does not remain beyond 30 days.

Dissociative symptoms

Dissociation is not a sign of PTSD but is typical of ASD.

Prevalence in traffic crash survivors

Researchers have found about 17% of children involved in traffic accidents have PTSD and 25% have ASD.

Table comparing PTSD and ASD

Summary of PTSD Vs. ASD

• PTSD and ASD are both reactions to some type of stressful and shocking occurrence.
• ASD is a short-term reaction to a trauma, while PTSD lasts much longer.
• Treatment of both PTSD and ASD involves therapy and medication.

FAQ

What separates ASD from PTSD?

ASD happens soon after an upsetting event, while PTSD is a long-term response.

What are the 7 symptoms of PTSD?

People with PTSD experience nightmares or distressing recollections of the event, avoidance of anything that reminds them of the event, negative thoughts and emotions, worry, quick startle response, and insomnia.

What does a PTSD episode look like?

The person may have flashbacks along with intrusive thoughts and show physical signs, like anxiety and trembling.

Is PTSD neurological or psychological?

PTSD is a psychological problem that impacts the brain, and is, thus, thought of as a neuropsychiatric condition.

Can PTSD be mistaken for autism?

Some of the actions of a person with PTSD may lead to a misdiagnosis. For instance, the social isolation of an individual suffering from PTSD may mimic that of an autistic individual.

Can ASD turn into PTSD?

Yes, ASD can progress and become PTSD.

What are the 17 symptoms of complex PTSD?

The signs of complex PTSD include actively staying away from situations that remind one of the upsetting event, feeling anxious, having nightmares, being agitated, having problems with concentration, having headaches, feeling depressed, suicidal, or developing OCD. Individuals may also experience irritability, abuse substances, show hypervigilance, be shaky, paranoid, or have panic attacks. They may have problems with sleep and show memory deficits.

What are three neurological differences commonly found in people with PTSD?

The cortex of the brain and the hippocampus show less activity if you have PTSD compared with people who don’t have PTSD. The amygdala, however, shows more activity in a person with PTSD.

Is PTSD Neurodivergent?

Yes, PTSDS is also thought of as a form of neurodivergence, but it is due to environment and not inheritance. 

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