Stressihäiriö

Stressihäiriö, also known in English as a stress disorder, refers to mental health conditions that arise as a response to perceived stressors or traumatic events. The term encompasses several clinical diagnoses, including acute stress reaction, post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and adjustment disorder, among others. Each type has distinct diagnostic criteria, but they share core features such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and marked physiological arousal.

Acute stress reaction typically emerges within the first month after a traumatic episode and is often characterized by intense anxiety, dissociation, and sometimes dissociative amnesia. If symptoms persist beyond one month and interfere significantly with functioning, the diagnosis may be upgraded to PTSD. Adjustment disorder is triggered by a clearly identifiable stressor, such as loss of a job or relationship difficulties, and manifests as depression, anxiety, or mixed emotional disturbances within three months of the event.

Diagnostic assessment follows standardized instruments such as the Clinician‑Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) or the PTSD Checklist (PCL). A comprehensive evaluation includes medical history, psychological testing, and consideration of comorbid conditions, notably depression and substance abuse. Treatment options are multidisciplinary; cognitive‑behavioral therapy (CBT), eye‑movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly employed. Early intervention, social support, and psychoeducation improve outcomes and may reduce the long‑term burden of the disorder.

Prevalence rates vary by population and methodology, but approximately 7–10 % of adults experience clinically significant PTSD at some point in their lives. Cultural, socioeconomic, and genetic factors influence susceptibility. Ongoing research seeks to refine diagnostic criteria, explore neurobiological mechanisms, and develop targeted interventions to enhance resilience against stress‑related psychopathology.