Adjustment Disorder+ Suicide

Question 1

How do we diagnose adjustment disorder?

Answer 1

It is a maladaptive reaction to a psychological stressor

• occurs within 3 months of the stressor
• usually resolves within 6 months of the stressor
• has emotional/behavioral symptoms
• not due to another psychiatric condition

Question 2

What is the lifetime prevalence of adjustment disorder?

Answer 2

2-8%

Question 3

Which groups of people get adjustment disorder the most?

Answer 3

1. Young women

Question 4

What is the aetiology of adjustment disorder?

Answer 4

1. Divorce
2. Financial problems
3. Moving house

Teens:

• School
• parental rejection
• relationships
• substance abuse

Question 5

What is the differential diagnosis for adjustment disorder?

Answer 5

1. Major depressive disorder
2. Anxiety disorder
3. Personality disorder
4. Bereavement
5. Brief psychotic disorder

Question 6

What is the treatment for adjustment disorder?

Answer 6

1. Psychotherapy particularly cognitive behavioral therapy
2. Psycho-education
3. Trial of SSRI’s

Question 7

What are risk factors for suicide?

Answer 7

1. Chronic illness:
Malignancy, stroke, loss of mobility 
2. Medication:
Reserpine, corticosteroids, chemotherapy 
3. Stressors:
Hopelessness

Question 8

What are the risk factors of suicide?

Answer 8

1. Previous suicide attempts and threats(5-6 times higher than other people
2. Adverse child experiences
3. Family. History and genetic studies
   - first degree relative increases 6fold