After Linda's husband of 25 years suddenly filed for divorce and moved in with his secretary, Linda not only had to deal with financial difficulties due to her husband not wanting to share the marital assets but also with losing many of the friends they had shared. Upon selling the house, Linda had to move to a small apartment and take on a second part-time job, while looking for a full-time job. During the next several months, Linda grew increasingly more irritable, anxious, apathetic, and depressed. She had trouble sleeping, lost her appetite, and suffered from frequent head and neck aches. At the insistence of a new friend, Linda sought counseling. It has now been over a year since the divorce, and Linda is almost back emotionally and physically to her "old" self. Linda's counselor most likely diagnosed Linda as having a(n)__________ disorder.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Linda's symptoms and situation suggest an adjustment disorder, characterized by emotional and behavioral symptoms in response to a specific stressor, in this case, her divorce and its consequences. Her improvement over time with counseling also supports this diagnosis.

After Linda's Husband of 25 Years Suddenly Filed for Divorce