Acute Stress Disorder
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Acute stress disorder is a strong stress reaction that begins within days of a traumatic event and lasts from three days to a month. It brings intrusive memories, feeling detached, and being on edge. Early support helps, and many people recover without developing PTSD.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
How it is usually treated
- Psychological First Aid
- Brief CBT
- Trauma-Focused CBT
- Supportive counselling
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I cannot stop thinking about what happened a few days ago”
- “I feel numb and on edge after the accident”
- “I cannot sleep since the incident”
- “I feel unreal since it happened”
People who live with acute stress disorder may also notice PTSD, depression or generalised anxiety. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if you feel unsafe, cannot sleep for days, or have thoughts of harming yourself. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist asks about the event, only as much as you wish, and how symptoms began, when and what they do to daily life. After a month the picture is reviewed again.
Treatment and support
- Psychological first aid: safety, rest, practical help and being with people you trust
- Brief CBT or trauma-focused CBT if symptoms persist
- Supportive counselling
- Follow-up at one month to check recovery
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists offer early support and a follow-up plan. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist lets you share only as much as you are ready to. The first step is to understand your symptoms and what keeps you safe and steady.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist work together, using trauma-focused therapy when you are ready for it.
Between sessions
Reviews go at your pace, and safety and sleep are checked at every step.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
What should I do straight after a traumatic event?
Make sure you are safe, rest, eat, stay with people you trust and avoid forcing yourself to talk. If distress is severe or lasts, speak to a professional.
Will it turn into PTSD?
Not for everyone. Early support helps, and your clinician will review how you are at around a month.
How long does it last?
By definition from three days to a month.
If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
- Dr. Barkha ChikaraCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Dr. Divya GurunathanPsychiatrist - Women's Mental Health & Child Psychiatry
Dr. Dhritiman DasCo-Founder & Head of Community, Psychiatrist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Ms. Liji VijayanClinical Psychologist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.