A construction worker experiencing anxiety and detachment after a near-dangerous accident is most likely diagnosed with?

A construction worker experiencing anxiety and detachment after a near-dangerous accident is most likely diagnosed with?

• A. Generalized anxiety disorder
• B. Major depression
• C. Dissociative amnesia
• D. Acute stress disorder

Answer: (D)

The situation described involves a construction worker who has experienced anxiety and feelings of detachment following a near-dangerous accident. This pattern of symptoms is indicative of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), which can occur in response to a traumatic event. ASD is characterized by symptoms such as intrusive memories of the trauma, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative mood, dissociative symptoms (like detachment), and heightened arousal. These symptoms can manifest within three days to four weeks after the traumatic incident. In this case, the key elements are the recent trauma (the near-dangerous accident) and the development of anxiety combined with detachment shortly after the event, fitting the criteria for ASD. The timing of the symptoms—occurring immediately after the trauma—further supports this diagnosis, as it specifically pertains to how the individual is coping in the immediate aftermath of a distressing experience. Other conditions listed may show some overlapping symptoms but do not align with the acute timing and specific context of trauma exposure that characterizes Acute Stress Disorder. For example, Generalized Anxiety Disorder typically involves persistent anxiety over a longer duration without a specific identifiable traumatic event, while Major Depression may arise but is generally not immediate following a trauma. Dissociative Amnesia involves a loss

The situation described involves a construction worker who has experienced anxiety and feelings of detachment following a near-dangerous accident. This pattern of symptoms is indicative of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), which can occur in response to a traumatic event. ASD is characterized by symptoms such as intrusive memories of the trauma, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative mood, dissociative symptoms (like detachment), and heightened arousal. These symptoms can manifest within three days to four weeks after the traumatic incident.

In this case, the key elements are the recent trauma (the near-dangerous accident) and the development of anxiety combined with detachment shortly after the event, fitting the criteria for ASD. The timing of the symptoms—occurring immediately after the trauma—further supports this diagnosis, as it specifically pertains to how the individual is coping in the immediate aftermath of a distressing experience.

Other conditions listed may show some overlapping symptoms but do not align with the acute timing and specific context of trauma exposure that characterizes Acute Stress Disorder. For example, Generalized Anxiety Disorder typically involves persistent anxiety over a longer duration without a specific identifiable traumatic event, while Major Depression may arise but is generally not immediate following a trauma. Dissociative Amnesia involves a loss