What is the main distinction between acute stress and delayed stress reactions following a critical incident?

The main distinction between acute stress and delayed stress reactions following a critical incident lies in the *timingof their onset and presentation. Acute stress reactions are those that occur almost immediately or shortly after the traumatic event. These are the initial, immediate responses to the crisis and are often characterized by heightened anxiety, emotional distress, physiological arousal (e.g., increased heart rate, sweating), and cognitive disruptions (e.g., difficulty concentrating). These reactions are considered a normal response to an abnormal situation. On the other hand, delayed stress reactions manifest *later*, after a period of seeming normalcy or relative calm. This could be weeks, months, or even years after the critical incident. Individuals experiencing delayed stress reactions may initially appear to have coped well with the event, but then begin to exhibit symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, emotional numbing, or increased startle responses. The delay can occur for various reasons, including suppression of emotions, lack of immediate support, or the triggering of latent trauma by a subsequent event. Essentially, acute stress is an immediate response, whereas delayed stress emerges after a significant time lag.