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Adjustment disorder - Treatment

Treatment:

The primary goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and help the person return to a similar level of functioning as before the stressful event occurred.

Most mental health professionals recommend treatments including:

Behavior therapy
Individual psychotherapy
Family therapy
Self-help groups

When medications are used, they are usually in addition to other forms of treatment.

Expectations (prognosis):

Adjustment disorders usually get better quickly without any remaining symptoms.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of adjustment disorder.

Reviewed last on: 12/15/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Katon W, Geyman JP. Anxiety disorders. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 57.

Rund DA, Vary MG. Mood disorders. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Mosby Elsevier;2006:chap 109.

Privitera MR, Lyness JM. Depression. In: Duthie EH, Katz PR, Malone ML, eds. Practice of Geriatrics. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 27.

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