[Adjustment disorder and DSM-5: A review].

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Adjustment disorder is frequently underdiagnosed despite its occurrence after significant life events.
• It is often overshadowed by more recognized conditions like major depression and anxiety disorder.
• Previous research has highlighted its "invisible diagnosis" status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To expose the complexity and discrete characteristics of adjustment disorder.
• To review the clinical and scientific diagnosis of adjustment disorder.
• To highlight the need for better identification and understanding of adjustment disorder.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Cairn.info.
• Keywords included "adjustment", "adjustment disorder", and "trouble de l'adaptation".
• Articles published between February 1, 1975, and January 31, 2015, were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Only 105 out of 191 reviewed articles were relevant, indicating limited literature compared to other disorders.
• Adjustment disorder is described as a transitional, ambiguous, and difficult-to-detect diagnosis.
• High prevalence (12.5-19.4%) and association with suicidal tendencies and stressful life events were noted.

Conclusions:

• Despite its prevalence, adjustment disorder remains under-researched and underdiagnosed.
• The elevated risk of suicide underscores the importance of accurate identification.
• Psychotherapy is indicated as an effective treatment, with drug therapy showing limited effectiveness.