The criteria that a patient must meet before being diagnosed are vague. For example, the differences between the manifestations of distress in those with AD and normal reactions to a stressor, are subjective rather than objective.

Vague Criteria 

There is a fairly significant overlap between symptoms present in those with Adjustment Disorders and those with other disorders. For example, the neurological or biological differences between those with AD and those with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are unclear.

Overlap Between Symptoms 

Existing diagnostic tools used by psychologists often fail to include Adjustment Disorders or pay very little attention to them. This also makes is difficult to distinguish ADs from other disorders such as MDD.

Poor Diagnostic Tools

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. 

New York University

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. 

Diagnosing Adjustment Disorders 

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


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