Navigating through the Financial Hardships: Cognitive Behavioural Interventions for Adjustment Disorder

Abstract

The present case report highlights the management of S.S. (pseudonym), a STEM aspirant young female, in her early 20s, diagnosed with adjustment disorder with depressed mood, precipitated with occupational stress (AjD: Code 6B43). Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire (IADQ) were administered to understand the progress through the sessions. Eight sessions of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) were conducted. The report illustrates S.S.’s progress through the treatment sessions along with the therapist’s reflections. Outcomes corroborated with the previous studies of efficacy of CBT for use with adjustment disorder. The purpose of the therapy was in empowering S.S. with the ability to challenge the negative thoughts about self and in management of conflict in decision-making regarding the career choice in STEM. Reassessments after 4 months revealed improvement in her level of distress. Therapist’s reflection highlighted the ethical dilemma faced during the management process highlighting the importance of socio-economic status and occupational obligations.