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What is adjustment disorder?

Adjustment disorder is a disorder characterized by excessive and abnormal reaction to a life stressor. It is a fairly common disorder.

What does adjustment disorder look like?

Risk Factors

  • Disadvantaged life circumstances

Differential Diagnosis

  • Major depressive disorder
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder
  • Acute stress disorder
  • Personality disorders
  • Normative stress reactions

References

[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.

[2] Boyd, M. A. (2019). Psychiatric & mental health nursing for Canadian practice. Wolters Kluwer.

[3] Townsend, M. C. (2015). Psychiatric mental health nursing. F.A. Davis.