Adjustment Disorder

Adjustment disorder is the development of emotional or behavioral symptoms (depressed mood, anxiety, worry, and/or conduct disturbance) within 3 months of an identifiable psychosocial stressor (life change, illness, job loss, relationship breakup), causing marked distress or functional impairment, and not meeting full criteria for major depression, anxiety disorder, or PTSD. Symptoms resolve when the stressor ends or within 6 months. Treatment: supportive psychotherapy, stress reduction, problem-solving therapy, and short-term anxiolytic/antidepressant if needed.

Common Symptoms

Depression/anxiety/worry; conduct disturbance; occurring within 3 months of a stressor; functional impairment; resolves with stressor

Causes and Pathogenesis

An identifiable stressor overwhelms coping resources, producing subthreshold emotional/behavioral symptoms in a vulnerable individual.

Treatment

Supportive/problem-solving psychotherapy; stress reduction; short-term anxiolytic/antidepressant; social support

Preventive Measures

Early counseling after stress; strengthen coping skills; social support.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Psychiatry department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.