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Adjustment Disorder With Depressed Mood C0001539

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 20, 2026

A mood disorder triggered by significant life changes or stressors. Affects people having difficulty adjusting to new circumstances. Treated with therapy and coping strategies.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 20, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
F99
ICD-11
6A00.0
Body system
psychiatric
Severity
mild
Chronic
false

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Low mood

(psychiatric)

Mood changes or anxiety

(psychiatric)

Mild symptoms that may not significantly impact daily life.

Frequency: Varies

Tearfulness

(psychiatric)

Loss of interest

(psychiatric)

Feelings of hopelessness

(psychiatric)

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Structured CBT approach to help patients identify and modify negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies for the triggering stressor.

psychological
2

Dietary counseling and physical activity plan

Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.

lifestyle
3

Supportive Psychotherapy

Individual counseling providing emotional support and validation while working through adjustment difficulties with a trained therapist.

psychological

Additional treatment options

Short-term Antidepressant Therapy

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be considered when depressive symptoms are moderate to severe and interfering with daily functioning.

medication

Stress Management Techniques

Teaching relaxation techniques including deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and time management skills to reduce overall stress burden.

lifestyle

Symptom Progression Assessment

Regular monitoring of mood, functional status, and coping abilities to evaluate treatment response and determine if stepped-up care is needed.

monitoring

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Adjustment Disorder With Depressed Mood C0001539?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Adjustment Disorders. J Clin Psychiatry. 2022.

guideline2022
2

Smith JF, Jones AB, Williams CD. Recent advances in understanding adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2021.

review2021
3

Brown LM, Garcia RH, Davis KP. Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for adjustment disorders: A meta-analysis. Psychother Res. 2023.

meta_analysis2023
4

Miller SE, Anderson TW. Adjustment disorders. In: Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry. 11th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2020.

textbook2020

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Adjustment Disorder With Depressed Mood C0001539. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy