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Does anyone have experience with adjustment disorder. From what I've read it's a short term mental disorder lasting 6 months or less, similar to PTSD. But 43% of children diagnosed with it end up being diagnosed with a more severe disorder later on. Anyone BTDT.
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In this age of managed care a therapist or Psychologist etc. has to make a diagnosis after the evaluation to be able to continue treating a client and bill insurance. When there really isn't a diagnosis but a client would basically benefit from someone to talk to they will use what they call a Vcode (a term out of the DSM) in this case Adjustment Disorder to justify future treatment and payment from insurance, Medicaid etc.....
I can't imagine a foster child out there (or foster parent for that matter lol ;) lol ) that wouldn't be diagnosed as Adjustment Disorder. Actually most everyone who has any kind of counseling or treatment past the evaluation has this diagnosis unless something more serious is diagnosed.
Momyov2
So with a 4 year old child that is diagnosed with adjustment disorder. Child was removed from home in Oct 2012. I'm sure the stressor is everything that the child is going through. It would be difficult to remove the stressors quickly at this point as it would be months for stability for this child, as this is a possible match for us for adoption.
Our girls were removed early of 2012. One was diagnosed with adjustment disorder, one was diagnosed with PTSD. The one with adjustment disorder now has diagnosed depression, anxiety, PICA and attachment disorder. The one diagnosed with PTSD is now diagnosed RAD. Our girls were removed initially, then removed again from a family member and then moved to us, with little stops along the way. I can tell you they are completely different children than they were when we got them over six months ago. The SW and CW's can't even believe the changes. So, yes, diagnoses can change as the children progress. They can get more severe or at times me removed completely.
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At 2, my son was diagnosed adjustment disorder as well as attachment disorder. He also has minimal sensory processing issues.
What that means for us is that he has a harder time in public settings where there is a lot going on (preschool/daycare was especially difficult). He can be volatile and it can feel like we're talking to a brick wall (that also screams and cries).
His therapist has mentioned that it could be something he'll grow out of. He has been with us for 16 months now and at 3 his aggression is gone and he is a bit better at self-regulating. His battle isn't won yet, but I've definitely seen major progress.
I don't know if this helps you or not, but that's my limited experience. ;)
Thank you all for your insight. The child is currently in a foster home and already in therapy. They have seen vast improvement in bevaorial and coping skills already. I worry about a set back with a move of course. I would also like to state that this child is part of a sibling group not an only child. I do not know yet if all the children are currently placed together or not. Mountain Mommy I will look into those books. Thank you.
What is the outcome is a good question? Dd now has been dxed with anxiety and and a mood disorder. We had a few rough times but with medication, and counseling, she is doing well. Unless you live with her, you would never guess there was any difference between her and any other kid. Even living with her, isn't so hard anymore. She is a good girl who will always have a tendency to worry too much.
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B was dx'd with ODD, Adjustment Disorder and mood disorder at age 6. He was put on anxiety meds, non-stimulant ADD meds and respirdol (sp). With time, meds and therapy, he's been healing nicely. However, he does regress. BabyrachelIVA is right: it's how they handle the stressors. One of his stressors is when I raise my voice. Yesterday, I raised it because he did something he wasnt' supposed to do and he went back i nto survival mode. Today, he's better. Also depends on the kid.
Our STBAS was initially dx with Adjustment disorder with depressed mood. 2 years later and we have run the gamut of dx for everything from adjustment disorder, to attachment disorder, ADHD, ODD, some sort of anxiety disorder, PTSD, possible mood disorder- they're thinking bipolar, and possibly changing the attachment disorder dx to full blown RAD. In the end, I don't give a hoot what they dx him with, just HELP him!
just-breathe
Our STBAS was initially dx with Adjustment disorder with depressed mood. 2 years later and we have run the gamut of dx for everything from adjustment disorder, to attachment disorder, ADHD, ODD, some sort of anxiety disorder, PTSD, possible mood disorder- they're thinking bipolar, and possibly changing the attachment disorder dx to full blown RAD.
In the end, I don't give a hoot what they dx him with, just HELP him!
Every young foster child here gets that as a dx for a couple reasons. First, in order to get services a child needs (mostly play therapy), they have to have SOMETHING and most psychologists are less likely to diagnose a child with something more significant after 30 minutes with the child when he's been in care for two weeks so the caregiver doesn't know enough either. Additionally, certain insurances, later, will not accept certain treatment services for young children being treated for "more serious" issues. Ridiculous, but the explanation I got just last week. I don't appreciate that as *I,* with the help of professionals, would like to make the decision in regards to treatment for my children.
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servnjah
Every young foster child here gets that as a dx for a couple reasons. First, in order to get services a child needs (mostly play therapy), they have to have SOMETHING and most psychologists are less likely to diagnose a child with something more significant after 30 minutes with the child when he's been in care for two weeks so the caregiver doesn't know enough either. Additionally, certain insurances, later, will not accept certain treatment services for young children being treated for "more serious" issues. Ridiculous, but the explanation I got just last week. I don't appreciate that as *I,* with the help of professionals, would like to make the decision in regards to treatment for my children.