Immediate reactions vary.
They present a flat affect, quiet, reserved, and have difficulties expressing themselves. Other survivors respond quite differently being very expressive and verbalizing feelings of sadness or anger. They may appear distraught or anxious and may even express rage or hostility against the medical staff attempting to care for them. The acute phase begins immediately and lasts up to several days after the attack. The survivor feels violated and fearful and may be depressed even suicidal.