Short-Term Stress Reactions in Disaster Victims: Categories and Clinical Presentation

Disaster survivors seeking medical care may exhibit:

1. Acute Stress Reaction (ASR)

Transient (days–weeks) response to overwhelming stressor.

• Symptoms: shock, anxiety, fear, confusion, insomnia, nausea, somatic complaints, hypervigilance, avoidance, emotional numbing
• Self-limiting; supportive care, psychoeducation

2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Persistent (>1 month) with intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, negative cognitions, hyperarousal. Requires trauma-focused therapy (CPT, PE, EMDR) ± SSRI/SNRI.

3. Other Psychiatric Morbidity

Depression, anxiety disorders, substance misuse, eating disorders, self-harm, suicidality.

4. Physical Health Consequences

Injuries, infections, exacerbation of chronic disease, medically unexplained symptoms.

Clinical Imperative

Screen all disaster-presenting patients; provide Psychological First Aid; refer for specialized care if symptoms persist or impair function.