1.When is a condition or problem in this chapter “coded?” Are these conditions/problems considered mental disorders? (p. 715)
2.Skim the following examples: parent-child relational problem, child affected by parental relationship distress, relationship distress with spouse, uncomplicated bereavement, academic or educational problem, phase of life problem, acculturation difficulty.
DSM-5: Adjustment Disorders
1.For an adjustment disorder diagnosis, how soon after a stressor do symptoms need to begin? What evidence suggests that symptoms are clinically significant? (p. 286)
2.The symptoms of adjustment disorder persist within what timeframe? What are 3 possible specifiers with this diagnosis? (p. 287)
Reichenberg Chapter 8: Adjustment Disorders (p. 260-267)
1.What are a few characteristics of those who adjust more easily to stressful life circumstances? What are a few characteristics of those who are more susceptible to an adjustment disorder? (p. 262)
2.What is the primary focus in treating those with an adjustment disorder? What approach by the therapist is helpful? (p. 263)
3.What are some common goals of therapy? What therapeutic approaches are promising? Skim the “psychosocial interventions” section. Note how interventions are unique to a person’s specific stressor & co-occurring symptoms. (p. 264)
4.What is the prognosis for adjustment disorders? When does it have a favorable outcome? (Pg. 267)
DSM-5: Depressive Disorders
1.What forms can the outbursts take in disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)? What needs to be considered about the situation and developmental level? How frequently must they occur? What is the person’s mood like between outbursts? How long must these symptoms persist? How many settings? Age for first diagnosis? (p. 156)
2.How many symptoms are required for a major depressive episode (MDE)? List 5 depression symptoms in the criteria of MDE. How long must symptoms be present? Note that these symptoms must represent a “change from previous functioning.” (p.163)
3.What are 2 ways to distinguish grief from a MDE? (p.161)
4.Persistent depressive disorder requires depressed mood and how many additional symptoms? Over what period of time (adults vs. children)? Longest period of time the individual can be without symptoms? (p. 168) Differentiate the specifiers: pure dysthymic syndrome, persistent major depressive episode, and intermittent major depressive episode. (p. 169)
5.When is the diagnosis of substance/medication-induced disorder used? (p.175)
6.What are 2 substances/medications that can contribute to depression and lead to a diagnosis of Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder? (p. 178 – “Development and Course”) What are 2 medical conditions that can contribute to depression and lead to a diagnosis of Depressive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition? (p.181-2 “Development and Course”)
7.Note the “other specified depressive disorder” category. When is the specifier “with anxious distress” used? What are 3 “atypical” symptoms? Note these other specifiers: with psychotic features, with peripartum onset, with seasonal pattern. (p. 183-187)
Reichenberg Chapter 5: Depressive Disorders
1.Although there is little research available on the treatment of DMDD, what is the first line of treatment for children with mood disorders? Are psychotropic medications recommended? (Pg. 149)
2.How do biological and environmental factors interact to influence the development of depression? Note the example of the child with a depressed mother. (152-153)
3.When is the combination of medication and psychotherapy recommended for depression? (Pg. 154-155)
4.What are 4 distinct evidence-supported treatments for depression? (Note: cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy are distinct, but CBT is merely the combination of the two). (Pgs. 154-155)Also see supported treatments 1,2,4,&5 at:
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