Management of Acute Stress Reactions in the Military: A Stepped Care Approach

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: This review highlights knowledge gaps surrounding the development and use of interventions for Acute Stress Reactions (ASRs). First, we propose that a stepped care approach to intervention for ASR be developed and utilized in military operational environments. A stepped care approach would include detection and assessment, followed by behavioral intervention, and then medication intervention for ASRs. Second, we discuss potential strategies that can be taken for the development of safe and effective ASR medications. RECENT FINDINGS: ASRs commonly occur in operational environments, particularly in military populations. ASRs impact the safety and performance of individual service members and teams, but there are currently limited options for intervention. SUMMARY: Efforts to improve ASR detection and assessment, and development and delivery of ASR interventions for implementation in operational environments, will be critical to maintaining the safety and performance of service members.