Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is MOST associated with Adjustment Disorder, as distinct from PTSD?
Which of the following is MOST associated with Adjustment Disorder, as distinct from PTSD?
According to the information, what is NOT considered a psychological vulnerability related to the development of maladaptive coping mechanisms?
According to the information, what is NOT considered a psychological vulnerability related to the development of maladaptive coping mechanisms?
Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the role of 'unconscious unresolved conflicts in early childhood' in the development of mental health issues?
Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the role of 'unconscious unresolved conflicts in early childhood' in the development of mental health issues?
According to the information, what is a core premise of the humanistic perspective on mental health issues?
According to the information, what is a core premise of the humanistic perspective on mental health issues?
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What is a key argument made by Thomas Szasz regarding mental illness?
What is a key argument made by Thomas Szasz regarding mental illness?
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Which group is MOST likely to need some form of intervention?
Which group is MOST likely to need some form of intervention?
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What does the information suggest about the relationship between psychiatric labels and political agendas?
What does the information suggest about the relationship between psychiatric labels and political agendas?
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Which of these is NOT described as an approach/perspective to understanding the causes of mental health issues?
Which of these is NOT described as an approach/perspective to understanding the causes of mental health issues?
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What does it mean for coping strategies to be considered as 'maladaptive'?
What does it mean for coping strategies to be considered as 'maladaptive'?
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What is the counter-argument to Szasz's claim that psychiatric diagnoses are solely labels for those deviating from social norms?
What is the counter-argument to Szasz's claim that psychiatric diagnoses are solely labels for those deviating from social norms?
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What best describes a maladaptive behavior?
What best describes a maladaptive behavior?
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Which of the following is an example of negative self-talk?
Which of the following is an example of negative self-talk?
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According to the DSM-5-TR, what is a key characteristic of adjustment disorders?
According to the DSM-5-TR, what is a key characteristic of adjustment disorders?
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In which category does the DSM-5-TR list adjustment disorders?
In which category does the DSM-5-TR list adjustment disorders?
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What is the primary difference between adjustment disorder and PTSD regarding the duration of symptoms?
What is the primary difference between adjustment disorder and PTSD regarding the duration of symptoms?
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Which of these is NOT an example of the type of negative self-talk mentioned?
Which of these is NOT an example of the type of negative self-talk mentioned?
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What does the content suggest that can make maladaptive patterns become habitual?
What does the content suggest that can make maladaptive patterns become habitual?
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Which of the following most accurately describes the relationship between stressors and adjustment disorders, according to the DSM-5-TR?
Which of the following most accurately describes the relationship between stressors and adjustment disorders, according to the DSM-5-TR?
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How does the content describe the goals that maladaptive behaviors are directed towards?
How does the content describe the goals that maladaptive behaviors are directed towards?
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Which is NOT common between Adjustment Disorder and PTSD, according to the content?
Which is NOT common between Adjustment Disorder and PTSD, according to the content?
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Study Notes
Adjustment Disorder
- Adjustment disorders describe maladaptive emotional and/or behavioral responses to an identifiable psychosocial stressor.
- The response is disproportionate to the severity of the stressor.
- Key symptoms: emotional or behavioral changes after a stressful event.
Maladaptive Behaviors
- Maladaptive behaviors are actions geared toward a specific goal.
- These actions are not adaptive or healthy.
- Actions may be aimed at stopping or starting something (like experiencing pain or trying to feel good).
- Maladaptive behaviors become habitual and affect feelings, thoughts, and interactions with others.
Negative Thinking and Self-Talk
- Examples include: "I'm a loser," "I'm unlucky," "No one cares/understands," "Nothing works out for me," "Nothing will ever change," "It has to be this way."
DSM-5-TR Classification
- The DSM-5-TR classifies adjustment disorders within the category of trauma- and stressor-related disorders.
- Diagnosis requires exposure to a traumatic or stressful event.
Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5)
- Symptoms develop within three months of the stressful event.
- Symptoms are clinically significant, evidenced by:
- Marked distress disproportionate to the stressor.
- Significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
- The stress-related disturbance isn't another mental disorder or simply worsening of an existing one.
- Symptoms don't represent normal grieving.
- Symptoms resolve within six months after the stressor is gone.
Specifiers for Adjustment Disorders
- Depressed mood: low mood, tearfulness, or hopelessness.
- Anxiety: nervousness, worry, jitteriness, separation anxiety.
- Mixed anxiety and depressed mood: a combination of both.
- Conduct disturbance: behavioral problems.
- Mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct: emotional and conduct problems.
- Unspecified: maladaptive reactions not fitting other subtypes.
Differential Diagnosis
- PTSD is frequently comorbid (occurring together) with other psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, acute stress, obsessive-compulsive, depressive, and substance abuse disorders.
Adjustment Disorder vs. PTSD
- Both can have overlapping symptoms.
- Adjustment disorder symptoms are generally less severe than PTSD.
- PTSD symptoms can last for months or years, while adjustment disorder typically resolves within six months.
- PTSD is linked to life-threatening events, while adjustment disorder is often linked to life changes or transitions.
Psychological Vulnerabilities
- Weak ego strength.
- Feelings of inadequacy.
- Impaired self-efficacy.
- Learned helplessness.
- Adverse childhood experiences can shape cognitive styles, making one feel their life is out of their control.
- Maladaptive responses/coping mechanisms emerge from negative coping schemas.
Different Perspectives on Adjustment Disorders
- Biological: Structural or functional brain patterns, genetic predispositions.
- Humanistic: Lack of a positive self-regard leading to difficulty achieving self-actualization.
- Psychodynamic: Unconscious, unresolved conflicts from early childhood that interfere with id, ego, and superego development, preventing maturity
- Cognitive-behavioral: Dysfunctional thinking, and ineffective coping mechanisms.
Need to Pathologize
- Question of whether normal responses to challenges should be categorized as a disorder.
- People with adjustment disorders may struggle functioning in society and require interventions.
- Behaviors frequently fall outside of expected socio-cultural norms.
Thamas Szasz's Perspective
- Psychiatrist who argued against the concept of mental illnesses: "The Myth of Mental Illness".
- Argued mental disorders are social constructs, often political in nature, and labeling them is problematic.
- Saw mental difficulties as challenges in living rather than diseases.
Counter Arguments against Szasz
- Psychiatric labels sometimes address real problems.
- Determining if a deviation from a "premorbid" state (normal baseline) is justified and results in significant distress.
- Psychiatric diagnoses can offer valuable insights into understanding problematic behaviors.
Criteria for Defining Maladjustment
- Help-seeking behavior
- Irrationality
- Degree of Deviance.
- Emotional Distress
- Significant Impairment
Definition of Adjustment
- Feldman (1989): the effort to meet demands and challenges; inability to adjust.
- APA (2022): any method humans use to modify attitudes and behaviors in response to environmental demands; inability to modify these.
The Transition Cycle
- A model depicting the emotional stages experienced during a significant life event (positive or negative).
- Stages include: initial shock, excitement, honeymoon period, inner contradictions, inner crisis, reconstruction and recovery.
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Description
Explore the concept of adjustment disorders and the maladaptive behaviors associated with them. This quiz covers key symptoms, negative thinking patterns, and the DSM-5-TR classification of these disorders. Test your understanding of how emotional responses can be disproportionate to stressors.
