In the past, before acute stress disorder was introduced to the DSM-IV, reactions to trauma, such as dissociation, avoidance and arousal were commonly viewed by professionals as either adjustment disorders or just not recognized. Once acute stress disorder became recognized, this helped professionals make the distinction between adjustment disorders and reactions occurring due to a traumatic incident. This in turn provided a way for professionals to better characterize the psychological and physical symptoms that could develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (Isserlin, Zerach & Solomon, 2008). With professionals having a better understanding of acute stress disorder and the ability to identify symptoms, early intervention in the acute stage
