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Adjustment Disorder

Elizabeth M Hoy, MS, MD Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Adjustment disorder (AD) 
  • Development of emotional/behavioral symptoms due to an identifiable stressor(s) and occurring within 3 months of onset of stressor(s) (1)

  • Diagnostic and Stat...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

DSM-5 requires: 
  • Occurs within 3 months after onset of stressor(s)

  • Marked by distress that is in excess of what would be expected within context, given the nature of the stressor, and/o...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Treatment for AD is under investigation, although brief psychological interventions are preferred.

  • Symptoms resolve after resolution of stressor(s) and its consequences.

MEDICATION

ONGOING CARE

PATIENT EDUCATION

Coping skills for life stressors 

PROGNOSIS

Short term: improvement within 6 months of elimination of stressor and consequences 

COMPLICATIONS

  • Increase risk of attempts and c...

REFERENCES

1
Carta  MG, Balestrieri  M, Murru  A, et al. Adjustment disorder: epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. ...

CODES

ICD10

  • F43.20 Adjustment disorder, unspecified

  • F43.21 Adjustment disorder with depressed mood

  • F43.22 Adjustment disorder with anxiety

  • F43.24 Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct

  • F43.23 Adju...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • A short-term disorder: occurs within 3 months of a stressor(s) and should resolve within 6 additional months from termination of stressor(s) or consequences of stressor(s)

  • Suicide risk ...

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