Acute Stress Disorder and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health crisis associated with significant psychosocial stressors. Core concepts from the trauma field are relevant to informing expected mental health sequelae and an evidence-guided mental health response. The most common response to trauma and other major stressors is resilience, but a minority of people will experience persistent or impairing mental health challenges. Those exposed to trauma may develop acute stress disorder and/or posttraumatic stress disorder. COVID-19–related traumas and stressors can also result in stress-related conditions including adjustment disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders. Mitigation of modifiable risk factors at the individual, organizational, or community level can support resilience. Interventions such as psychological first aid, screening and identification of those at risk, and providing phased mental health resources are relevant to this pandemic. For those experiencing acute or persistent traumatic distress, evidence-based trauma strategies that take the unique challenges of COVID1-19 into account should be used. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2020;50(7):295–300.]