Because adjustment disorder is time-limited, brief psychotherapy is favored over long-term.
However, in the course of a short-term intervention, an underlying issue (such as a childhood trauma) might be discovered, which could lead to longer-term therapy. Although there is no agreed-upon optimum therapy for adjustment disorder, the predominant mood accompanying the disorder (eg, depression or anxiety) is a major consideration for both pharmacologic and supportive treatments.
Pharmacologic therapy aims at relieving debilitating symptoms of adjustment disorder, such as insomnia, anxiety, and panic attacks. Aerobic exercise should be encouraged, as it stabilizes the autonomic nervous system and is linked with the release of endogenous neurotransmitters (dopamine and endogenous opioids) that induce positive mood states.
For more about the treatment of adjustment disorder, read here.
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Stephen Soreff. Psychiatry Fast Five Quiz: What Do You Know About Adjustment Disorder? - Medscape - Dec 16, 2016.
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