A Social Work Perspective on the Adjustment Disorders

Abstract

The adjustment disorders are controversial DSM diagnoses because of their relative lack of diagnostic validity and reliability. Many social workers feel relatively comfortable using these diagnoses, however, because they acknowledge a client's problematic reaction to environmental stress rather than assuming an internal functioning deficit. There is relatively little professional literature about the nature and treatment of adjustment disorders. The purposes of this article are to explore their suitability as clinical diagnoses, and to provide, through two case illustrations, intervention guidelines for social workers.

Keywords:

• adjustment disorders
• direct social work practice
• assessment
• diagnosis
• psychotherapy