Adjustment Disorder Case Study

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Tentative Differential Diagnosis In the case of 14 year old Nathan, he presents with symptoms and behaviors that fit the diagnostic criteria of Adjustment Disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) (2013), Adjustment Disorder is characterized by the “development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor(s)” (p. 286). Symptoms and behaviors of Adjustment Disorder are also characterized as having a shift in general mood and distress that exceeds the stressor as well as significant impairment in areas of functioning such as social, occupational, or educational (Psych Central, 2013). Nathan exhibits these behaviors in which he seems …show more content…

Another stressor seems to be the separation from his twin brother, Jacob. Nathan and Jacob used to be very close and it seems that he is having a difficult time adjusting to their separation as well as making new friends at his new school. Nathan is also afraid and worried that he will disappoint his family, which seems to be another stressor for him. Furthermore, Nathan has been displaying a disturbance in emotions and unusual conduct due to the stressors and changes in his life. Nathan presents as having a depressed mood in which has become quieter than usual, more isolated and is stays in his room more often, as well as a decrease in appetite. Little things seem to irritate him and has been talking to his parents with disrespect and acting out in an aggressive way in which he had not done previously. The family explains that Nathan’s behavior have not been like this before. It seems as though all of these symptoms and behaviors have occurred within the time period of his transition to the new school which then caused a shift in Nathan’s mood and behavior. According to the DSM-5 if these symptoms continue to persist for more than six months, further evaluation will be needed to determine if there is a more serious mental disorder is

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