Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct

This diagnosis describes an emotional or behavioral reaction to an identifiable psychosocial stressor that develops within three months of the stressor's onset. The patient exhibits both emotional symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression) and conduct disturbances (e.g., truancy, vandalism) that are clinically significant and exceed a normal, expected reaction. These symptoms cause marked distress or significant impairment in social or occupational functioning.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates an adjustment disorder where the patient presents with a combination of emotional symptoms (e.g., depressed mood, anxiety) and behavioral symptoms (e.g., aggression, defiance of rules) in response to a specific stressor. The symptoms must not meet criteria for another specific mental disorder and must resolve within six months after the termination of the stressor or its consequences.

• Differentiate from other adjustment disorder subtypes based on the specific symptom presentation (e.g., predominantly anxious mood, predominantly depressed mood).
• Ensure the documentation specifies both emotional and conduct disturbances are present and clinically significant.
• This code should not be used if the symptoms represent an exacerbation of a pre-existing mental disorder or are better accounted for by another mental health diagnosis.