Adjustment Disorder With Depressed Mood

Adjustment disorder with depressed mood is characterized by the emergence of depressive symptoms following exposure to a specific psychosocial stressor. Etiological factors include situational stressors such as bereavement, occupational changes, or relational difficulties, often exacerbated by pre-existing vulnerabilities in mood regulation. Clinically, affected individuals present with low mood, tearfulness, feelings of hopelessness, and impaired social or occupational functioning. Diagnosis requires symptom onset within three months of the stressor and exclusion of major depressive disorder or other mood disorders. Management typically involves supportive psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral interventions, and, in select cases, short-term pharmacotherapy for symptom relief. Prognosis is generally good, with most cases resolving within six months following stressor resolution.