Which symptoms are characteristic of adjustment disorder with depressed mood?

Adjustment disorder with depressed mood is characterized by specific emotional and behavioral responses to identifiable stressors, which typically result in feelings that are more intense than what might be expected given the nature of the stressor. The symptoms predominantly include emotional distress such as feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, and sometimes irritability. This diagnosis is specifically marked by a significant amount of depressed mood that arises in response to a life change or stressful situation, which distinguishes it from other mood disorders or conditions.

The symptoms must manifest within three months of the stressor and must not persist for more than six months after the stressor or its consequences have ended. Thus, feelings of hopelessness and sadness are central to the condition, making this response accurate and representative of the disorder's clinical picture.

In contrast, increased energy and happiness, frequent mood swings and mania, or persistent feelings of joy do not align with the nature of adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Instead, these symptoms suggest other mood states or disorders, such as mania or an elevated mood, which are not characteristic of this specific adjustment disorder.