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Adjustment Disorder ICD-11 — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

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EasyAnxiety & Stress-Related DisordersAdjustment Disorder ICD-11MRCPsych Paper B

A 30-year-old man develops depressive symptoms following the loss of his job. His symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a depressive episode. Which symptom pattern is characteristic of adjustment disorder in ICD-11?

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Correct answer: B — Preoccupation with the stressor or its consequences and failure to adapt, causing significant impairment

ICD-11 defines adjustment disorder as a maladaptive reaction to an identifiable psychosocial stressor. Its characteristic symptom pattern comprises preoccupation with the stressor or its consequences together with failure to adapt, resulting in significant impairment. Symptoms usually emerge within 1 month of the stressor. Depressive symptoms may occur but must not be better explained by a depressive episode or another mental disorder. Option E is incorrect because 6 months is not a minimum duration; symptoms usually resolve within 6 months after the stressor and its consequences end. Option A pathologises normal stress responses. Psychotic symptoms and substance use are neither defining nor required features, making D and E incorrect.

Reference: Shevlin M et al. Measuring ICD-11 adjustment disorder: the development and initial validation of the International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. 2020;141(3):265–274. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31721147/