Psychotherapy of adjustment disorders: Current state and future directions

Abstract

Objectives: This narrative review article provides an overview of current psychotherapeutic approaches specific for adjustment disorders (ADs) and outlines future directions for theoretically-based treatments for this common mental disorder within a framework of stepped care. Methods: Studies on psychological interventions for ADs were retrieved by using an electronic database search within PubMed and PsycINFO, as well as by scanning the reference lists of relevant articles and previous reviews. Results: The evidence base for psychotherapies specifically targeting the symptoms of AD is currently rather weak, but is evolving given several ongoing trials. Psychological interventions range from self-help approaches, relaxation techniques, e-mental-health interventions, behavioural activation to talking therapies such as psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapy. Conclusions: The innovations in DSM-5 and upcoming ICD-11, conceptualising AD as a stress-response syndrome, will hopefully stimulate more research in regard to specific psychotherapeutic interventions for AD. Low intensive psychological interventions such as e-mental-health interventions for ADs may be a promising approach to address the high mental health care needs associated with AD and the limited mental health care resources in most countries around the world.