Which disorder is characterized as a brain's response to experiencing or witnessing traumatic events lasting 1 month or less?

Acute Stress Disorder is characterized as a condition that arises in response to experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, with symptoms that can occur within three days to one month after the event. This disorder is specifically defined by the presence of symptoms such as intrusive memories, negative mood, dissociative symptoms, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and increased arousal, which can manifest as hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response. The symptoms are similar to those of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but they do not last long enough in Acute Stress Disorder to meet the criteria for PTSD, which requires symptoms to persist for more than one month.

In the context of the other disorders, Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves excessive worry and anxiety over various aspects of life and is not specifically triggered by trauma. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, while related to trauma, is distinguished by the duration of symptoms lasting more than one month. Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks and does not involve a direct response to traumatic events. Thus, the accurate identification of Acute Stress Disorder as the condition described is essential in understanding the immediate psychological response to trauma and its temporal aspects.