Precipitating factors of acute stress reaction in patients presenting in psychiatry OPD
1Dr. Hasan Ali Malik, 2Dr. Muhammad Tariq, 3Dr. Fatima Zulfiqar, 4Dr. Isbah Gul, 5Dr. Zashir Butt, 6Dr. Abu Bakar Khan
1Registrar psychiatry, CMH Jhelum
2Consultant Psychiatrist, KRL hospital Islamabad
3Regustrar psychiatry, CMH Lahore
4Classified Psychiatrist, CMH Jhelum
5MO Dr. Zulfiqar’s Neuropsychiatry Hospital, Kharian
6Registrar Paediatrics, CMH Lahore
Abstract
Background: Acute Stress Reaction (ASR) is a transient psychological response that develops following exposure to a traumatic or exceptionally stressful event. Identification of common precipitating factors is essential for early intervention and prevention of long-term psychiatric morbidity.
Objectives: To determine the major precipitating factors associated with Acute Stress Reaction among patients presenting to a psychiatry outpatient department (OPD) and to examine their sociodemographic correlates.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among patients diagnosed with Acute Stress Reaction attending the Psychiatry OPD of a tertiary care teaching hospital between January and December 2025. Consecutive patients meeting ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for ASR were enrolled. Sociodemographic data, clinical characteristics, and precipitating stressors were recorded using a structured proforma. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 120 patients were included. The mean age was 31.8 ± 11.4 years, with females constituting 58.3% of participants. The most common precipitating factors were family conflicts (28.3%), bereavement (22.5%), relationship problems (16.7%), financial stress (12.5%), occupational/academic stress (10.8%), and accidents or physical assaults (9.2%). Females were significantly more likely to present following interpersonal and family-related stressors (p = 0.02), whereas males more frequently reported financial and occupational stressors (p = 0.03).
Conclusion: Family-related conflicts and bereavement emerged as the most common precipitating factors for Acute Stress Reaction in psychiatry OPD patients. Recognition of these stressors can facilitate early psychosocial intervention and reduce the risk of progression to chronic stress-related disorders.
Keywords: Acute Stress Reaction; Psychiatry OPD; Stressors; Precipitating Factors; Trauma; Cross-Sectional Study