Adjustment Disorder in Adolescents / Teens

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? Older adolescent community estimate 4.2%; clinical rates much higher
Is it more common among adolescents / teens? Major developmental transition period
Are adolescents / teens at higher risk? #N/A
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? Very High
Does it show up differently among adolescents / teens? Strong Yes
How might it look different? Academic decline, irritability, conflict, risky behaviour, withdrawal, self-harm; breakup/school/family stress particularly relevant
What commonly occurs alongside it? Depression; anxiety; substance use; self-harm
What can it be confused with? MDD; GAD; PTSD; normative adolescent distress
Common screening tool ADNM-20 / age-appropriate clinical AjD assessment
Separate screening tool for adolescents / teens None established
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