Adjustment disorder is best described as which of the following?

• A. A reaction to a specific life event lasting more than 2 years
• B. A reaction to a specific life event lasting less than 6 months
• C. A reaction to multiple stressors lasting more than 1 year
• D. An impairment without an identifiable trigger

Answer: (B)

Adjustment disorder is a stressor-related condition where emotional or behavioral symptoms arise in response to an identifiable life event and cause distress or impairment, but stay within a limited time frame. The hallmark is that symptoms begin within about 3 months of the stressor and, once the stressor or its consequences end, typically resolve within 6 months. Among the options, describing a reaction to a specific life event lasting less than six months best fits this pattern. The other descriptions imply either an extended duration beyond the typical limit, lack of a clear trigger, or multiple ongoing stressors, which are not characteristic of adjustment disorder.