Treating Adjustment Disorders in Children and Adolescents: At the Intersection of Prevention and Psychopathology
摘要
Adjustment disorders are amongst the most prevalent diagnoses in youth but there is currently limited empirically-supported guidance in treating this disorder. There are a couple approaches for determining effective treatments for youth with adjustment disorders based on theoretical models and empirical research. From the approach of clinical psychology and research on the treatment of psychological disorders, evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for related disorders can be matched to the particular symptoms of adjustment disorder that the youth experiences. From the approach of developmental psychopathology and prevention science, research on resilience as well as the mechanisms through which psychopathology develops following stress exposure provide insight into appropriate strategies for coping with stress. This paper reviews and synthesizes findings on the prevention and treatment of psychopathology in order to outline a recommended, empirically-supported approach for treating adjustment disorders in youth. Overall, components of cognitive and behavioral therapies have the most research support and can equip youth with multiple strategies for coping with stress. Additional evidence-based practices and treatment approaches to serve this population are discussed.