Adjustment Disorder: Current Diagnostic Status

Abstract

Adjustment disorder is a common diagnosis in psychiatric settings and carries a significant rate of morbidity. However, diagnostic criteria are vague and not much helpful in clinical practice. Also there has been relatively little research done on this disorder. In this article, we review the information that is available on the epidemiology, clinical features, validity, and current diagnostic status of adjustment disorder. In this article, the controversy surrounding the diagnosis is also highlighted. It also discusses the differential and comorbid diagnosis. The various recommendations for DSM-V and ICD-11 conclude the article.

Stepped care in primary care – guided self-help and face-to-face cognitive behavioural therapy for common mental disorders: a randomized controlled trial

“…Adjustment disorder have been criticized for its vague criteria and lack of valid diagnostic instruments (Patra & Sarkar, 2013) and as a consequence, AD has not been included in most major epidemical studies of psychiatric disorders (Casey, 2014). When AD has been included, the diagnostic process has been conducted in two steps, where AD has been considered a secondary disorder after the exclusion of anxiety and depressive disorders.…”

Expectations and experiences of patients with osteoarthritis undergoing total joint arthroplasty: An integrative review

“…This is particularly important in today's competitive health‐care environment where patients are constantly bombarded with images and perceptions of rapid recovery that can fuel their falsely optimistic expectations (Hall et al, ). On the other hand, some patients' pessimism could be a result of their experience with a transient “adjustment disorder” that amplified their benign bodily symptoms to something more serious that requires a longer recovery (Patra & Sarkar, ). Given that failure to address patients in having realistic expectations can lead to patient dissatisfaction and impede actual recovery (Bourne, Chesworth, Davis, Mahomed, & Charron, ; Judge et al, ; Scott, Howie, MacDonald, & Biant, ), more efforts should be directed towards educating patients on the milestones that they can achieve at each phase of recovery to adjust and cope with TJA.…”

Mental health effects of climate change

“…[ 55 ] Often the psychological distress elicited by medical illnesses do not qualify for a severe psychiatric illness but require the diagnosis of adjustment disorders. [ 56 ] Nonetheless, the anxiety and depressive symptoms generated as a consequence of physical illness require attention and are helped with treatment with antidepressants and counseling.…”