ing categories are defithe disappearance of, or adaptation to, the stressor. The follow-Adjustment Disorder● 1. The essential feature of adjustment disorder is a maladaptive re-action to an identifi 2. 3 months after the onset of the stressor and has persisted for no longer than 6 months (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000). The response is considered maladaptive either because there is impairment in social or occupational functioning or be-cause the behaviors are exaggerated beyond the usual, expected response to such a stressor. The impairment is corrected with CThe major symptoms include depressed mood, tearfulness, include nervousness, worry, and restlessness. A differential this adjustment disorder is anxiety. Primary manifestations BACKGROUND ASSESSMENT DATAAdjustment Disorder with Depressed MoodA dju st ment D i s or der w it h A n x iet y. egory is the most commonly diagnosed adjustment disorder. disorders must be considered.and hopelessness. A differential diagnosis with the affective HAPTER able psychosocial stressor that occurs within^13 ned: The major symptom of. This cat-
2506_Ch13_236-255.indd Sec1:236 2506 Ch 13 236 - 255 .indd 5. S 4.^236 3. 6. ec 1 turbances in conduct.must be made considering the affective and anxiety disorders.Mood. Adjustment Disorder UnspecifiAdjustment Disorder with Disturbance of Conduct. diagnosis with the anxiety disorders must be considered.when the maladaptive reaction is not consistent with any of major response involves conduct in which there is violation of the rights of others or of major age-appropriate societal norms and rules. A differential diagnosis with conduct disor-der or antisocial personality disorder must be considered.Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Disturbance of Emo-tions and Conduct. bination of depression and anxiety. A differential diagnosis both emotional symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety) and dis-: 236 This type of adjustment disorder is identifiThe behavioral manifestations include ed. This diagnosis is used ed by a com-The 1 10/1/10 9:36:13 AM 0 / 1 / 10 9 : 36 : 13 AM