Terry was raped a week ago. She has been overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety and helplessness. Her doctor refers to her condition as

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acute stress disorder is characterized by the development of severe anxiety, dissociation, and other symptoms that occur within one month after exposure to an extreme traumatic stressor (e.g., witnessing a death or experiencing a serious injury). Since Terry's symptoms have manifested within a week after the traumatic event, acute stress disorder is the most accurate diagnosis. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is diagnosed when symptoms last for more than a month and can follow acute stress disorder. Agoraphobia and panic disorder are not directly related to trauma in the way that acute stress disorder is.

Terry Was Raped a Week Ago