Affective-Shock Reaction

The affective-shock reaction is an acute affect of fear or horror, confusion and movement disorders. This reaction is observed in reactive psychoses caused by a person being exposed to extreme and life-threatening conditions.

Characteristic signs of an affective-shock reaction are:

1. Sudden onset of strong negative emotions - fear, horror, panic.

2. Short-term confusion, disorientation.

3. Movement disorders - stupor, erratic movements, shock.

4. Autonomic disorders - rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling.

Such a reaction can occur when faced with a dangerous situation - an attack, an accident, a disaster. It is an emergency psychological response of the body to a threat to life and health. The affective-shock reaction usually does not last long and passes as it adapts to the current situation. However, in some cases it can develop into more persistent mental disorders that require medical attention.

**Reactive (psychogenic) affect of fear** It is not always possible to determine exactly what events brought a person to a state of reactive fear. However, cases of this situation have already been encountered in the practice of many psychotherapists. Here is one of the descriptions given by a person who suffered from severe mental experiences: “I was in the company of people who were busy preparing for a party. I felt tired and ready to go home. But I couldn't leave because the party was about to start in a few minutes.