Psychopathology of Adjustment Disorder

Adjustment Disorder is a response to stressors that lead to symptoms of worry, stress, feelings of hopelessness or depression and physical symptoms such as crying. Symptoms usually begin within three months of a stressful life event. Symptoms are often strong enough to disturb the person’s life, job and school. There are five subtypes of adjustment disorder. “The subtypes of adjustment disorder are classified according to the presenting symptoms: adjustment disorder, (1) with anxiety, (2) with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, (3) with mixed conduct, (4) with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct, and (5) unspecified” (Varcarolis & Halter, 2010). The symptoms of adjustment disorder occur due to the patient’s inability to cope. The patient may have strong feelings regarding the life event and the feelings may be more severe than the patient anticipated.
The cause of adjustment disorder is as simple as a life event. “A life event that my trigger adjustment disorder include: death of a loved one, divorce or relationship problems, general life changes, illness or other health issues in yourself or loved ones, moving to a different home or city, unexpected catastrophes and worries about money” (Fred K. Berger, 2013). Family problems, conflict with family and friends, problems at school and sexuality problems may also be stressors. The definition of stressor is a “psychological or physical stimuli that are incompatible with current functioning and require adaptation” (Varcarolis & Halter, 2010). Some people adapt better than others and what one person may see as a stressor another may not. People of all ages may be diagnosed.
“Symptoms of adjustment disorder vary according to the subtype. Some of the symptoms includ...

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...plan goes along with what is recommended in the literature that I read. She has already started sleeping at night with the Trazodone. The Prozac can take up to six weeks before she will see any improved mood.

References

Fred K. Berger, M. (2013, March 22). Adjustment Disorder. Retrieved from Medline Plus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000932.htm
Karch, A. M. (2013). 2013 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Patra, B., & Sarkar, S. (2013). Adjustment Disorder: Current Diagnostic Status. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 35: 4-9.
PsychCentral. (2013, October 08). Adjustment Disorder. Retrieved from PsychCentral: http://psychcentral.com/disorders/adjustment-disorder-symptoms/
Varcarolis, E. M., & Halter, M. J. (2010). Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. St. Louis: Saunders Elsevier.