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Current Psychiatry Reports
Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports 6/2014

01-06-2014 | Anxiety Disorders (DJ Stein, Section Editor)

Adjustment Disorder: New Developments

Author: Patricia Casey

Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports | Issue 6/2014

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Abstract

Adjustment disorders (ADs) have been included in the psychiatric classifications since 1952 although their name has changed over time. In DSM 5 they have been classified under the trauma and stress related disorders for the first time. Despite this positive step, there are still problems with the classification of ADs. There is no guidance on the distinction from normal stress reactions, it remains a subthreshold category, and the subtypes are not strongly underpinned by research. There are no specific diagnostic criteria in terms of symptom numbers or combinations of these, unlike most other conditions classified in DSM. Apart from epidemiological studies in those with medical illnesses, recent prevalence studies in other populations are scarce. Research is lacking in many aspects of AD, especially their biological underpinnings and treatments. One factor contributing to this is the absence of adequate diagnostic interview schedules. Interest in ADs may increase now that they are classified with the trauma-related group of disorders.
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Metadata
Title
Adjustment Disorder: New Developments
Author
Patricia Casey
Publication date
01-06-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Psychiatry Reports / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 1523-3812
Electronic ISSN: 1535-1645
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-014-0451-2