Adjustment Disorder in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era
Dr. Arlisa Wulandari, dr., SpKJ., MKes.

Department of Psychiatri, Faculty of Medecine
Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani, Cimahi, Indonesia

Abstract

Adjustment disorder is recognized as a stress-related conditions caused by significant changes or stressors in life, which is defined as a maladaptive reaction to an identifiable stressor. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition and the 11th edition of the International Classification of Disease classify adjustment disorder along with other stress-related disorders. Prevalence in primary care ranges from 3-10%, and frequently is under diagnosed by general practitioners, in outpatient mental health treatment ranges from 5-20% and in a hospital psychiatric consultation setting frequently reaches 50% or higher. Adjustment disorder is diagnosed frequently as major depression or generalized anxiety disorder in clinical practices. The COVID-19 pandemic has become a great source of stress. According to the world health organization epidemiological update of the COVID-19 on 23 February 2021, the global cumulative numbers are 110.7 million cases and over 2.4 million deaths since the start of the pandemic. The COVID-19 has left many unemployed, uncertainty condition, and everything affected by it has become a great source of stress. Those who have been able to work from home had an increased workload. Adjustment disorder is temporary, but that doesn^t make it any less painful than other mental illnesses. There is a need of knowledge relevant for clinicians and researchers about adjustment disorder diagnosis, prevalence, risk factors, and treatment.

Keywords: adjustment disorder, pandemic, the COVID-19

Topic: Clinical Practice in Pandemic Era