Traumatic stress

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Traumatic stress is recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as an acute emotional condition associated with reactive anxiety. The condition presents in a manner similar to posttraumatic stress disorder, but lacking the same intensity and duration.

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Traumatic Stress is a commonly used term describing reactive anxiety (and depression). It is not a medical term and is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). What is popularly referred to as Traumatic Stress is covered in DSM-IV by Adjustment Disorders. This includes subtypes of anxiety, depression and disturbance of conduct and combinations of these symptoms. It results from events that are less threatening and distressing than the events that lead to posttraumatic stress disorder.