OBJECTIVES: Adjustment disorders (AD) represent a frequently diagnosed type of disorder for which scientific interest has been limited because of insufficient diagnostic criteria. This study presents a concept comprising cognitive, behavioural, and emotional criteria (ADNM) which investigates differences in symptom severity, willingness to change, and motivation for psychotherapy in subjects with adjustment disorders.

METHOD: 331 outpatients were examined with a number of tools (ADNM, SCL-90-R, FPTM-23, FEVER). The ADNM is evaluated on the basis of theoretical assumptions and divides the sample into subjects with elevated and normal scores.

RESULTS: The sample comprised patients with elevated scores (61%) and normal scores (39%).Subjects with AD scored higher on depression, anxiety, and impulsivity as well as exhibiting elevated scores on the SCL-90-R, for contemplation/action, and for psychotherapy motivation.

CONCLUSION: The ADNM identifies patients experiencing stress. Further longitudinal studies should examine whether patients more frequently enter psychotherapy or not.