Exploring diagnosis and treatment pathways for Service personnel diagnosed with adjustment disorder in the British Armed Forces: A mixed methods study.

An adjustment disorder is a maladaptive reaction to an identifiable psychological stressor or multiple stressors (e.g. divorce, illness or disability, socio-economic problems, conflicts at home or work) that usually emerges within a month of the stressor. The Ministry of Defence suggest that the frequency of adjustment disorder is high in members of the Armed Forces due to the instability of Service life, including deployments abroad and regular postings every few years. Adjustment disorder accounts for approximately 1/3 of mental health diagnosis given at DCMH initial assessment. The purpose of this study is to understand more about the symptoms and care needs of this group, to provide recommendations for interventions, and clinical training, ultimately returning them to full fitness as soon as practicable. 

This study aims to improve understanding of the triggers, presentation and management of UK Service personnel given a Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) diagnosis of adjustment disorder. 

Study 1 (Quantitative), Study 2 (Qualitative) - exploratory sequential design.

1. To examine how accurately records of adjustment disorder reflect ICD-11 criteria for adjustment disorder (study 1).
2. To understand if pre-disposing factors for adjustment disorder in the military population can be identified (study 1).
3. To investigate the risk profile (to self and others) of those diagnosed with adjustment disorder (study 1).
4. To identify the factors influencing clinicians' assessment of adjustment disorder (study 2).
5. To investigate the factors influencing adjustment disorder policy and clinical guidance (study 2). 

Study 1 - Serving population under DCMH care. Target number for recruitment is 300.

Study 2 - Clinicians working in DCMH - Target number for recruitment is 18.