Adjustment Disorders<br><br>

This classification of mental disorders is related to an identifiable source of stress that causes significant emotional and behavioral symptoms. The DSM-IV diagnostic criteria include:<br>

    * (1) Distress that is marked and excessive for what would be expected from the stressor and<br>
    * (2) Creates significant impairment in school, work or social environments.<br><br>

In addition to these requirements, the symptoms must occur within three months of exposure to the stressor, the symptoms must not meet the criteria for an Axis I or Axis II disorder, the symptoms must not be related to bereavement and the symptoms must not last for longer than six months after exposure to the stressor.