Understand Acute Stress Reaction (ASR), also known as Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). Learn about diagnosis criteria, DSM-5 codes, ICD-10 codes, clinical documentation tips, and treatment options for acute stress. Find information for healthcare professionals, including differential diagnosis and best practices for managing and coding ASR in medical records. Explore resources for patients experiencing acute stress symptoms and seeking support.
Also known as
Reaction to severe stress, and adjustment disorders
Covers acute stress reaction and adjustment disorders.
Neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders
Includes various stress-related disorders, including acute stress.
Mental and behavioural disorders
Encompasses a broad range of mental disorders, including stress reactions.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Symptoms began within 1 month of a traumatic stressor?
Yes
Duration of symptoms < 1 month?
No
Do NOT code as acute stress reaction. Consider other diagnoses.
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Symptoms develop after a traumatic event. |
Persistent stress after trauma, lasting over one month. |
Emotional or behavioral symptoms due to an identifiable stressor. |
Coding acute stress reaction requires specifying if it's under or over 30 days for accurate ICD-10-CM code selection (F43.0 vs. F43.8).
Acute stress reaction can be misdiagnosed as PTSD. Careful symptom documentation and timeframe assessment are crucial for proper coding and care.
Differentiating acute stress reaction from adjustment disorder is essential. Clear documentation of stressor and symptom onset helps avoid coding errors.
Q: How can I differentiate between Acute Stress Reaction and Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) in my patients presenting with trauma-related symptoms?
A: While both Acute Stress Reaction and Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) arise after exposure to a traumatic event, they differ in duration and symptom profile. Acute Stress Reaction, as defined in the ICD-10, typically resolves within hours or days, presenting with immediate, transient symptoms like dissociation, anxiety, and emotional numbing. Conversely, ASD persists for at least 3 days and up to one month, featuring more prominent dissociative symptoms, re-experiencing, avoidance, and arousal. Accurate differential diagnosis hinges on careful assessment of symptom duration and specific symptom clusters. Explore how standardized assessment tools can aid in distinguishing between these conditions and informing appropriate interventions.
Q: What are the most effective evidence-based interventions for Acute Stress Disorder in a clinical setting, particularly for front-line workers?
A: Evidence-based interventions for Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) often involve trauma-focused therapy, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Psychological First Aid (PFA) can be beneficial in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event for stabilizing and providing support. For front-line workers experiencing ASD, interventions should address occupational stressors and potential moral injury. Consider implementing peer support programs and organizational strategies alongside individual therapy to foster resilience and recovery. Learn more about tailored interventions for specific professions and trauma types.
Patient presents with symptoms consistent with Acute Stress Reaction (also known as Acute Stress Disorder, ASD) following exposure to a traumatic event occurring [Number] days ago. The patient reports experiencing [Specific symptoms e.g., intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, dissociative symptoms, negative mood, avoidance behaviors, hyperarousal, sleep disturbances] since the incident. The traumatic event involved [Nature of traumatic event, ensuring patient confidentiality e.g., a motor vehicle accident, witnessing a violent crime]. The patient's symptoms are causing significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning, meeting DSM-5 criteria for Acute Stress Reaction. Differential diagnosis includes Adjustment Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other anxiety disorders. The patient denies any prior history of psychiatric illness. Current medications include [List medications]. Mental status examination reveals [Observations e.g., patient appearing anxious, tearful, exhibiting psychomotor agitation]. Treatment plan includes crisis intervention, psychological first aid, short-term psychotherapy focusing on stress management techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for trauma, and consideration of pharmacotherapy for symptom management if indicated. Patient education provided regarding the nature of Acute Stress Reaction, expected course, and available treatment options. Follow-up scheduled in [Timeframe] to monitor symptom progression and response to treatment. Referral to [Specialty, e.g., trauma specialist, psychiatrist] may be considered if symptoms persist or worsen. ICD-10 code F43.0 and CPT codes for evaluation and management (e.g., 99203, 99214) are documented for medical billing and coding purposes. Prognosis is generally favorable with appropriate intervention.