Types of stress: Acute, Post-traumatic, Chronic & Eustress

Acute stress:

This is an intense, fast and normal stress response to a specific event/situation where there is perceived threat to self or others. It is a normal reaction to an abnormal event. Acute stress is used to describe the stress-response within the first 4 weeks after an event. People will usually recovery naturally from acute stress, but recovery can be assisted with effective psychological resilience strategies.

Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS)

PTS is another way of describing acute stress.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition that occurs at least 4 weeks after a trigger event/situation; where a reduction in acute stress symptoms has not occurred; and where there are a number of intense reactions still being experienced which can be categorised into 4 key symptom clusters, namely:

Hyperarousal: Increased emotional reactivity and physical arousal
Avoidance and numbing behaviours
Re-experiencing: Intrusive and distressing memories/dreams of what occurred
Increased negative thinking and low mood (compared with before the event)

Clinically, PTSD requires a trigger event, where there is real or perceived threat to oneself or a loved one; or where we have witnessed such an event in person. In work-related roles, exposure to distressing information is also considered a triggering event.

PTSD is treatable.

PTSD prevalence: Up to 6-8% of the adult population; after a traumatic event on average 30% people are likely to experience PTSD. Around 15% people experience late onset PTSD.

Chronic stress:

A sustained and prolonged stress response; which can cause wear and tear on the body and mind. Chronic stress could occur from a sustained acute stress response or from ongoing, cumulative, lower level persistent stress or duress.

Acute, post-traumatic and chronic stress have a wide range of signs and symptoms; these usually negatively impact our physical wellbeing, cognitions, emotional state and behaviours.

Eustress:

A positive form of stress that has a beneficial effect on health, motivations, performance and emotional wellbeing. Signs of eustress include increased motivation and focused energy, feeling excited, sense of self-efficacy (mastery) to handle a situation, improved performance and an increased number of positive thoughts (cognitions) about self and life.