Modification of the Adjustment Disorder New Module20 (ADNM-20) for Use in Military Environments (ADNM-20-MIL): A...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Military Mental Health
• Diagnostic Assessment

Background:

• Adjustment Disorder (AjD) is prevalent and linked to severe health outcomes.
• Lack of diagnostic clarity and tailored assessment tools hinder AjD research and treatment.
• Military personnel face unique stressors, increasing their risk for AjD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a military-specific diagnostic assessment tool for Adjustment Disorder.
• To address the limitations of existing tools in capturing military-relevant stressors.
• To improve the clinical assessment and diagnosis of AjD in U.S. Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs).

Main Methods:

• A Delphi method was employed to create the Adjustment Disorder-20-Military (ADNM-20-MIL).
• The ADNM-20-MIL was adapted from the standard ADNM-20 assessment.
• The tool underwent pilot testing with ADSMs diagnosed with AjD.

Main Results:

• Military-specific stressors were identified and integrated into the ADNM-20-MIL.
• The tool was refined and validated for relevance and applicability within the military context.
• The Delphi process ensured comprehensive inclusion of pertinent stressors.

Conclusions:

• The ADNM-20-MIL facilitates timely and accurate diagnosis of AjD in ADSMs.
• This specialized tool supports targeted treatment strategies for military personnel.
• Addressing AjD in ADSMs is crucial due to its high prevalence and destabilizing impact.