From the Guidelines
Adjustment disorder treatment should primarily involve individual therapy, as it is recommended for internalising behaviours such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, adjustment and coping difficulties. According to the study published in The Lancet Neurology 1, individual therapy is a key approach in addressing these internalising behaviours.
Key Components of Treatment
- Individual therapy: focusing on internalising behaviours and adjustment difficulties
- Other forms of therapy, such as family therapy, may also be beneficial for addressing adjustment and coping difficulties and parent–child conflict, as noted in the study 1
Considerations
- The study 1 provides guidance on the diagnosis and management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but its recommendations on psychotherapy can be applied to the treatment of adjustment disorder
- While the study does not specifically address adjustment disorder, its findings on the effectiveness of individual therapy for internalising behaviours can be relevant to the treatment of adjustment disorder
- It is essential to prioritize individual therapy as the primary approach, given its recommendation for internalising behaviours and adjustment difficulties 1
From the Research
Adjustment Disorder Treatment Overview
- Adjustment disorder requires therapeutic intervention due to its complications, including a significant risk of suicide 2.
- The optimal therapeutic approach to adjustment disorder is still being researched, with various studies investigating pharmacological and psychological treatments 2, 3, 4.
Pharmacological Treatments
- Pharmacotherapy interventions have been studied, including the use of medications such as viloxazine, lormetazepam, and benzodiazepines 2.
- Psychotropic agents like benzodiazepines, antidepressants, or etifoxine may be considered for adjustment disorder with severe symptoms 2.
Psychological Treatments
- Psychotherapy interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and relaxation techniques, have been investigated 2, 4, 5.
- Psychotherapy seems indicated for mildly symptomatic adjustment disorder, while more severe cases may require a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy 2.
- Low-intensive psychological interventions, such as e-mental-health interventions, may be a promising approach to address the high mental health care needs associated with adjustment disorder 5.
Treatment Goals and Approaches
- The ultimate goals of treatment are to mobilize the patient's stress-coping mechanisms and prevent the adjustment disorder from developing into another, more chronic condition 3.
- Treatment approaches may include non-pharmacologic approaches, pharmacotherapy, and combinations of both 3.
- A diagnostic tool is being validated to assist with diagnosing adjustment disorder, and several treatments are available, ranging from psychological interventions to pharmacotherapies 6.