ICD-11 adjustment disorder: Translation and validation of the Danish international adjustment disorder questionnaire among a working population of social educators

• Published in: Journal of psychiatric research 2024-11, Vol.179, p.388-395
• Main Authors: Vang, M.L., Andersen, L.P.S., Biering, K., Hyland, P., Shevlin, M., Linnet, J., Pihl-Thingvad, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adjustment disorder; Adjustment Disorders - diagnosis; Adult; Denmark; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Humans; ICD-11; International Classification of Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational stress; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales - standards; Psychometric properties; Psychometrics - instrumentation; Psychometrics - standards; Reproducibility of Results; Surveys and Questionnaires - standards; Validity; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0022-3956; 1879-1379; 1879-1379
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.09.035

Adjustment disorder is frequently used as a diagnostic category for work-related stress disorders in Denmark. However, the diagnostic category is poorly delineated in ICD-10 which has hampered clinical practice as well as research studying the development of work-related adjustment disorders. In ICD-11, the diagnostic category of adjustment disorder has been refined and a new self-report measure is available to operationalize symptoms. The aim of the current study is to translate the International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire (IADQ) to Danish and test the psychometric properties of the scale in a sample of social educators. A total of 609 social educators in current employment participated in an online survey including the IADQ and data was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. Findings suggested that a two-factor model reflecting the distinction between preoccupation and failure to adapt as part of the diagnostic criterion fitted the data best, although strong factor correlations and one cross-factor loading suggests that differentiating between the dimensions of preoccupation and failure to adapt is difficult. Relationships to burnout, posttraumatic stress and general distress support the validity of the Danish translation of the IADQ. Further research should explore the structure of adjustment disorder among other working populations. •The first study to test ICD-11 adjustment disorder among a working population.•Danish version of International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire (IADQ) is valid.•Findings show psychometric challenges of the IADQ for working populations.