What’s the difference between adjustment disorder and major depression and generalized anxiety disorder?

What’s the difference between adjustment disorder and major depression and generalized anxiety disorder?

A diagnosis of adjustment disorder is based on the presence of a stressor and the fact that the condition goes away when the stressor goes away. By definition of this diagnosis, the condition must end six months after the triggering event. With major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, there doesn’t need to be an identifiable stressor and the duration of symptoms can be ongoing.