Diagnosing someone with an adjustment disorder is not always straightforward. The lack of research and care for the issue creates a few problems within the diagnosis. 

Problems in Diagnosing Adjustment Disorders

According to the DSM, symptoms (distress and impairment in social and/or occupational settings) must start within three months after exposure to the stressor and must resolve themselves within six months. However, if exposure to the stressor is prolonged then symptoms may exceed six months. 

New York University

An adjustment disorder (AD) is a reaction to a stressful/significant life change. This reaction is marked by preoccupation with the responsible stressor shown by severe distress (more than what is typically expected) or constant thinking about the consequences of said stressor. This may alter one's mental health as a result. 

Adjustment Disorder

Carta, M.G., Balestrieri, M., Murru, A. et al. Adjustment Disorder: epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 5, 15 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-0179-5-15


Adjustment Disorder: epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosing Adjustment Disorders 

With Adjustment Disorders, there is the expectation of a relatively good outcome, once the responsible stressor is removed. Compared to other mental disorders, Adjustment Disorders are considered to be less severe/disabling than any other disorder when looking at the length of time that the disorder persists, length of hospitalization (if there is hospitalization), and disposition. 

Adjustment Disorder Outcomes

Treating adjustment disorders is very important. Intervention must come rapidly to prevent significant disturbances in the patient's life such as relationship disturbances or trouble functioning in social settings. When treating ADs specifically the aim is to restore the patient's mental health, identify the stressor, work on coping mechanisms, change their perspective on the stressor, and establish relationships to help deal with the stressor. 

Treating Adjustment Disorders 

A stressor is any type of stressful/ significant life change in a person's life that may bring about an Adjustment Disorder in a patient. There are many different types of stressors and the way a person may react to one depends on a variety of factors. 

Adjustment Disorder Stressors

The DSM lists a few subtypes for ADs:
- With depressed mood
- With anxiety
- With mixed anxiety and depressed mood
- With disturbance of conduct 
- With mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct 
- Unspecified

Adjustment Disorder Subtypes

It is commonly thought that suicide risk in those diagnosed with Adjustment Disorders is lower than in those diagnosed with other mental disorders such as Major Depression. The risk for suicide in those with Adjustment disorders is often short-lived and therefore this risk is not looked at as a reason to bar someone from an early discharge if they have indeed been committed to a psychiatric hospital. However, since suicidality or the suicide process rapidly evolves without prior indications of any such thoughts it is essential to assess suicide risk in those with Adjustment Disorders.

Suicide Risk in Those with Adjustment Disorders


Covid-19 exposes an individual to a wide array of stressors such as quarantine, physical distancing, job loss, risk of infection, and loss of a loved one; all of which have the potential to create symptoms of adjustment disorder in that particular individual. 

Adjustment Disorders During Covid-19

This node will contain all references pertaining to adjustment disorders. 

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