Understanding and responding to acute stress reactions is essential for professionals working in healthcare, mental health, emergency services, and trauma-informed care. The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Acute Stress Disorder is designed to provide participants with a focused, evidence-based exploration of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of acute stress disorder (ASD). This course equips participants with the knowledge and practical tools needed to recognise, assess, and support individuals experiencing acute stress following traumatic events.
This diploma is aligned with UK professional standards and offers a structured approach to understanding the neuropsychological impact of trauma, the diagnostic criteria for ASD, and early intervention techniques. Through a combination of theory and applied learning, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively address acute stress responses in a range of clinical and non-clinical settings.
The 30-hour programme provides a detailed overview of acute stress disorder, differentiating it from other trauma-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants will explore the psychological, emotional, and physiological dimensions of trauma response, as well as the role of risk factors and resilience. The course covers early assessment tools, trauma-informed communication, and practical strategies to manage acute stress in individuals following accidents, violence, disaster, or other traumatic events.
Participants will also examine legal, ethical, and safeguarding considerations when working with trauma-affected individuals, ensuring they are prepared to act confidently and professionally within their scope of practice.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Acute Stress Disorder provides the critical knowledge needed to respond effectively to trauma-related stress. With a focus on practical, ethical, and evidence-informed care, this course is ideal for professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of acute stress reactions and enhance their ability to support individuals during the most vulnerable moments of recovery. It offers the opportunity to gain a professional qualification that is not only relevant, but increasingly essential in today’s trauma-aware world.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Acute Stress Disorder
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Acute Stress Disorder and Trauma Response (3 hours)
- Define acute stress disorder and distinguish it from other trauma-related conditions
- Understand the immediate psychological and behavioural responses to traumatic events
- Recognise the importance of timely intervention in reducing long-term impact
Neurobiology and Psychological Impact of Acute Stress (4 hours)
- Explore how trauma affects the brain and nervous system
- Understand the role of the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex in stress processing
- Identify psychological responses such as hyperarousal, numbing, and emotional dysregulation
Diagnostic Criteria and Differential Diagnosis (5 hours)
- Learn the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for acute stress disorder
- Differentiate acute stress disorder from PTSD, generalised anxiety, and adjustment disorders
- Understand the clinical course and timeline of symptom progression
Risk Factors, Protective Factors, and Resilience (5 hours)
- Identify individual and situational risk factors contributing to acute stress disorder
- Explore protective factors that buffer the effects of trauma
- Understand the concept of psychological resilience and its role in recovery
Assessment Tools and Early Identification Strategies (4 hours)
- Learn to use validated screening and assessment tools for early detection of ASD
- Understand best practices in trauma history taking and observation
- Apply assessment outcomes to inform support and referral pathways
Trauma-Informed Communication and Engagement (3 hours)
- Develop skills to engage sensitively with trauma-affected individuals
- Practise principles of safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration in communication
- Recognise the impact of language, tone, and body language in trauma contexts
Acute Stress Interventions and Supportive Therapies (4 hours)
- Gain an overview of evidence-based early interventions such as psychological first aid
- Explore supportive therapeutic approaches suitable for acute settings
- Understand the importance of stabilisation and short-term safety planning
Managing Dissociation, Flashbacks, and Anxiety Responses (2 hours)
- Recognise symptoms and triggers of dissociation and intrusive memories
- Learn immediate grounding and self-regulation techniques
- Understand how to support individuals experiencing anxiety surges in acute phases
Course Benefits – OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Acute Stress Disorder
- Develop a clear understanding of acute stress disorder and its distinction from other trauma-related conditions
- Gain in-depth knowledge of the neurobiological and psychological effects of acute trauma
- Learn to use recognised assessment tools for early identification and intervention
- Enhance professional confidence in working with trauma-affected individuals in high-pressure environments
- Acquire practical skills in trauma-informed communication and supportive engagement
- Understand risk and protective factors that influence individual trauma responses
- Learn to manage complex symptoms such as dissociation, flashbacks, and severe anxiety
- Apply ethical and safeguarding principles when responding to individuals in acute psychological distress
- Strengthen your professional profile with a UK-standard diploma relevant to healthcare, mental health, education, and emergency services
- Be equipped to support recovery, promote resilience, and contribute to trauma-sensitive practice in any workplace setting
Who Is This Course For?
- Participants working in healthcare, counselling, or mental health support roles
- Emergency responders, crisis workers, and frontline professionals dealing with traumatic incidents
- Professionals in education, social care, or community services who support vulnerable individuals
- Human resource personnel and wellbeing officers aiming to build trauma-informed workplace practices
- Individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge of acute psychological responses in high-stress settings
- Participants pursuing continuing professional development in trauma care or psychological first aid
- Anyone responsible for safeguarding, crisis management, or early psychological intervention across sectors
