Therapeutic Interventions for Adjustment Disorder: A Systematic Review

Adjustment disorder requires therapeutic intervention because of its complications, which include a significant risk of suicide, but evidence-based therapeutic guidelines are not available.

The main problem is related to answer to the following question: What is the optimal therapeutic approach to adjustment disorder? In this respect we review all randomized controlled trials that aimed to investigate therapeutic interventions for adjustment disorder in adult populations.

Comprehensive search of the electronic database PubMed (January 1980-June 2019). The review included clinical trials that aimed to investigate a psychological or pharmacological treatment for adjustment disorder in adult population and reported outcome data for therapeutic interventions.

The search identified 23 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review. Pharmacotherapy interventions were the focus of 11 studies that used various medications and dosages including viloxazine, lormetazepam, S-adenosylmethionine, pivagabine, trazodone, clorazepate, etifoxine, lorazepam, diazepam, afobazole, and plant extracts (Kava-kava, Euphytose, and Ginkgo biloba) on a total number of 1020 patients. Psychotherapy interventions were identified in 12 studies that used mirror therapy, short-term dynamic psychotherapy, yoga meditation, body-mind-spirit technique, mindfulness, bibliotherapy (self-help manual), humor training, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Psychotherapy seems indicated for mildly symptomatic adjustment disorder. Given the fact that adjustment disorder with severe symptoms is associated with a high risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, clinicians must consider the potential benefit of using psychotropic agents such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants, or etifoxine.