Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Acute Stress Disorder: Rates Following Different Types of Traumatic Events

Studies investigating rates of acute stress disorder following exposure to a traumatic event report widely varying results, even when examining the same types of traumatic events. The first purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to describe rates of acute stress disorder following five different types of traumatic events. The second goal was to assess the methodological and trauma-related factors influencing these rates. Between May 2017 and October 2019, studies were identified by searching through the PsychINFO, PubMed/Medline, OVID, CINAHL, Scopus, and PILOTS databases. Records were included if (1) participants were 16 years old and over, (2) the assessment was completed within 30 days of the event, (3) a standardized assessment instrument was utilized, (4) the type of traumatic event was specified, and (5) the acute stress disorder rate was reported. The list of traumatic events used for the search strategy was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and was complemented by those listed in the Life Events Checklist and the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Seventy-three samples from 70 studies totaling 20,065 participants met inclusion criteria. Results revealed that rates of acute stress disorder ranged from 14.1% for war-related trauma to 36.0% for interpersonal trauma. Interpersonal trauma was significantly more likely to lead to acute stress disorder than other types of events, except for disaster-related trauma. Differing assessment instruments, types of exposure and geographical locations, and the intentional nature of certain events contributed to heterogeneity in rates within each type of traumatic event.