How long must symptoms persist for a diagnosis of acute stress disorder?

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is characterized by the development of severe anxiety symptoms, intrusive thoughts, and dissociation after experiencing a traumatic event. For a diagnosis of ASD, symptoms must persist for a duration of at least three days but not more than one month following the trauma. This timeframe is crucial as it distinguishes acute stress disorder from other disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which requires symptoms to last longer than one month. Recognizing the correct duration is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The specification that symptoms must persist for less than one month is a key factor in identifying ASD, and underscores the immediacy of stress reactions to trauma.