The event that causes the AD gets identified as well as the coping style, and defense mechanism. The patient is encouraged to express their emotions concerning the triggering stressor so that a discussion may be had about patterns, themes, and fears about the stressor. Interpersonal relationships are also explored. How deep a therapist may delve into these topics depends on how long the patient will come in for therapy.  

New York University

Psychotherapy or psychodynamic psychotherapy is often the most favorable and most common treatment for Adjustment Disorders. It is more effective than no treatment (although there have been very few studies done with randomized control groups), and more effective than other forms of therapy.

Psychotherapy for Adjustment Disorders

Ben-Itzhak, S., Bluvstein, I., Schreiber, S. et al. The Effectiveness of Brief Versus Intermediate Duration Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in the Treatment of Adjustment Disorder. J Contemp Psychother 42, 249–256 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-012-9208-6

The Effectiveness of Brief Versus Intermediate Duration Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in the Treatment of Adjustment Disorder

Studies find no difference between the effectiveness of brief intervention (12 sessions of psychotherapy) versus a longer therapy regiment (1-year psychotherapy). This is partly because the goal of therapy for those with Adjustment Disorders is to help a patient assimilate to a triggering event, rather than change their mental structure. There is no benefit to continuing therapy. 

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