Reference
Guide | Reference

62  Adjustment Pattern Prototype

62.1 Summary

  • A pattern of distress and functional disruption that is clearly linked to an identifiable stressor or life change.

62.2 Prototype Features

  • Onset after a defined stressor.
  • Emotional or behavioral symptoms out of proportion to baseline coping.
  • Impairment in functioning or increased distress.

62.3 Threshold Guidance

  • Use when stressor linkage is clear and symptoms are time-limited or improving.

62.4 Expected Domain Profile

  • Trauma and Stress Response: mild to moderate.
  • Mood and Drive Dysregulation: mild to moderate.
  • Anxiety and Threat Sensitivity: variable.

62.5 Time-Course and Trajectory

  • Acute onset with improvement as stressor resolves.
  • May become persistent if stressor continues.

62.6 Differential and Red Flags

  • Major mood episode without clear stressor linkage.
  • Trauma pattern with intrusions or avoidance.
  • Substance effects or medical contributors.

62.7 Specifiers (treatment-relevant, non-prescriptive)

  • Course/time pattern (acute, trigger-linked).
  • Contributors (ongoing adversity, resource loss).
  • Risk modifiers (suicide risk in acute stress).

62.8 Measurement Prompts

  • Brief distress scale.
  • Function tracking during stress period.

62.10 Documentation Snippet (1-2 lines)

  • “Stress-linked distress with functional decline; Trauma/Stress 2, Mood/Drive 2; acute course.”