American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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How long can symptoms last for adjustment disorder with depressed mood?

Less than 3 months
Up to 6 months
Up to 1 year
More than 1 year

The correct answer is: Up to 6 months

Adjustment disorder with depressed mood is characterized by the development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a specific stressor. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the symptoms of adjustment disorder can last for a minimum of 3 months but should not persist for more than 6 months after the termination of the stressor. This answer aligns with the guidelines that note the time frame for the diagnosis is one of the critical features. If the symptoms exceed 6 months, the diagnosis may be reconsidered, possibly indicating a different mood disorder or a chronic clinical picture. Therefore, the time frame for adjustment disorder with depressed mood is specifically capped at up to 6 months, making it the correct answer in this context.