Adjustment Disorder during de Covid-19 pandemic: the role of coping mechanisms and coexistent mental disorders

Abstract

This study aims to explore the dynamics of coping, Adjustment Disorder (AjD) and previous diagnosis of a mental disorder during COVID-19 pandemic and the association between these variables. We conducted a longitudinal study using data concerning Portuguese responders from the first and third waves of ESTSS ADJUST study. 91 participants provided data on ADNM-8, BRIEF-COPE, PCS, PHQ-4 and previous diagnosis of mental disorder on both assessments. The results indicated that the prevalence of AjD was 26.4% on the first and 20.9% on the third wave. Only shifts in Anxiety, use of active, planning, positive reframing and venting coping strategies were significant, decreasing between assessments. We found a positive correlation between dysfunctional coping and AjD and that individuals with a previous diagnosis of mental disorders developed more AjD symptoms. These results suggest positive psychological changes throughout the pandemic since coping mechanisms adopted seemed effective in mitigating its impact on mental health.