LMCC/Adjustment Disorder

Diagnosis

• emotional/behavioural symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor occuring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor
• sypmtoms consist of either:

1. marked distress in excess of what would be expected from exposure to the stressor
2. significant impairment in social/occupational functioning

• once the stressor has terminated, the symptoms do not persist for more than an additional 6 months
• common stressors include: termination of romantic relationships, marital problems, job-related stressors, developmental events (ie. leaving home, becoming a parent, retirement)

Treatment

• brief psychotherapy
• crisis intervention
• medications
  • benzodiazepine may be used for those with anxiety symptoms
  • SSRI's may be used for those with both anxiety and depression symptoms

See also

• w:Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada

References

Toronto Notes 2005