stressihäire

Stressihäiriö is a Finnish term used to describe mental health conditions that arise in response to stress. It is not a single diagnosis, but an umbrella for disorders that occur after exposure to stressful events or ongoing stressors. In many diagnostic systems, the concept includes acute stress reactions, adjustment disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, depending on the framework (ICD-11 or DSM-5-TR).

Symptoms typically affect thoughts, emotions, behavior, and physical well-being. Common features include excessive worry, sadness, irritability, sleep problems, concentration difficulties, avoidance of reminders, intrusive memories, hyperarousal, fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension. The clinical course can range from transient distress to a disabling illness; timely recognition and treatment improve outcomes.

Risk factors for stressihäiriö include prior trauma, lack of social support, ongoing stress at work or home, poverty, and female sex. Protective factors include supportive relationships, effective coping strategies, and access to care.

Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment and standardized criteria from DSM-5-TR or ICD-11, with differential diagnoses including other anxiety or mood disorders and the effects of substances or medical conditions. Treatment typically combines psychotherapy and, when appropriate, medication. Evidence supports cognitive-behavioral approaches, such as trauma-focused CBT for PTSD and problem-focused therapy for adjustment disorders, as well as EMDR. Antidepressants or other medications may help with mood and anxiety symptoms. Psychoeducation, stress-management training, sleep hygiene, and reinforcing social support are important components.

Most individuals recover with appropriate care, though some may experience chronic symptoms or progress to PTSD or recurrent mood disorders without timely intervention.