Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: A General Overview

Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, also known as Situational Depression, is another subtype of depression. Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood is where depressive symptoms mainly consist of low mood, tearfulness, and feelings of hopelessness. These depressive symptoms occur in response to a stressor, such as losing a job, financial problems, relationship problems, and losing a loved one, just to name a few.

The depressive symptoms of sadness, tearfulness, and hopelessness present in Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood do not meet the criteria for a major depressive episode. However, during the course of an Adjustment Disorder, one may develop more depressive symptoms, in which case the diagnosis of major depressive disorder may be more appropriate, or if manic or mixed episodes were present, then bipolar depression may be more appropriate.

So the depressive symptoms only occur in association with a recent stressor, and the depressive symptoms that are mainly present are low mood, tearfulness, and feelings of hopelessness. Again, if five or more depressive symptoms are present, then this is not an Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, and one needs to look at the other subtypes of depression. In addition, the depressive symptoms from Adjustment Disorder with Depression Mood resolves when the stressor is no longer there, and does not last longer than 6 months from when the stressor ended.

However, if the depressive symptoms continue despite the stressor being removed, then the person may have developed Major Depressive Disorder, and the treatment plan needs to be switched to accommodate the new diagnosis.

The treatment for Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood is focused on addressing the stressor, and how to cope with it. Stay tuned for upcoming articles to get help and treatment for Depressive Disorders, such as Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood.

photo credit: Aaron Stidwell Face full of tears via photopin (license)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Yes, I would like to receive emails from depression boss. Sign me up!


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact