Adjustment disorder in the pediatric population

Abstract

Given the constantly changing array of stressors faced by children and adolescents throughout the course of development, adjustment disorder (AD) can serve as a valuable category to identify and understand these phenomena in the clinical setting. At the same time, the uptake and application of this diagnosis has been variable, at times underutilized due to concerns about clinical validity, as well as a dearth of diagnosis specific treatment options. This chapter will provide an up to date review of AD, including the epidemiology, etiology, and the diagnostic criteria updates in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) used in the United States and the International Classification of Disease (ICD). Psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacology treatment options will be reviewed as well. Particular focus will be paid to the identification and treatment of AD in the Pediatric Primary Care Setting, as well as in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2022 Journal of Innovation Management. All rights reserved.