What characterizes an adjustment disorder?

Adjustment disorder is characterized by the development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a specific stressor, which typically occurs within three months of the onset of the stressor. This often includes reactions that are disproportionate to the severity or intensity of the stressor and may vary widely from person to person.

Symptoms can manifest as anxiety, depression, or conduct disturbances, and these symptoms generally resolve within six months once the stressor or its consequences have ended. If the stressor is ongoing or if the symptoms persist beyond six months, the diagnosis may need to be reconsidered, possibly leading to a different diagnosis such as a more chronic mental health condition.

Considering that symptoms must appear within three months of the triggering event is vital for establishing the diagnosis of adjustment disorder. This timing is what differentiates adjustment disorders from other mental health diagnoses, particularly those involving more persistent symptoms or disorders resulting from more severe or chronic stressors.