Q: dear doctor,

is it normal to diagnose an adjustment disorder after a person has been on an ssri for less than a month? I was on lexapro 3 years ago while in the air force, was on the medication for less than a month, and less than a week after I was taken off the medication (due to pregnancy) I was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder. Something just doesnt sit well about this, and I have questioned it ever since. (the adjustment disorder was then used as grounds for discharge out of the air force) I am no expert, but I believe the diagnosis was made too soon and based on questionable "symptoms" (i had to be taken off paxil after a week of use because the side effects were intolerable; I found lexapro sufficiently displeasant, but "put up with it for the greater good".)

thanks.

A: Typically a person is given a diagnosis prior to starting a drug. Psychiatric diagnosis is really imprecise because there is no underlying pathophysiology to any of the disorders. Absent a lab test to show a distinct medical illness, every clinician is free to give any patient a diagnosis -- particularly adjustment disorder which means little more than a person is reacting to a life change or stressor.

Stuart Shipko, MD (Psychiatrist/Neurologist)
Founder and Medical Director of PDI
The Panic Disorders Institute
Author of Surviving Panic Disorder: What You Need To Know Information provided by Dr. Shipko is general in nature and should not be construed as a substitute for a visit to and examination by your own personal physician.
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