Which condition is characterized by depressive symptoms with a clear precipitant?

The condition characterized by depressive symptoms that arise in response to a specific and identifiable life event is known as a situational adjustment reaction. This form of adjustment disorder typically manifests after encountering a significant stressor such as job loss, relationship issues, or other life changes. The symptoms are usually proportional to the stressor and subside as the individual adjusts to the new circumstances.

In this case, the distinguishing feature is the clear precipitant causing the depressive symptoms, setting it apart from other types of depressive disorders that may not have such an identifiable trigger. For example, bipolar disorder involves mood episodes that can occur independently of identifiable stressors, while seasonal affective disorder is tied to specific seasons or changes in light exposure, lacking the immediacy of a clear situational trigger. Similarly, grief reactions can be aligned with the response to loss but may not strictly qualify as an adjustment disorder unless they meet specific criteria in terms of duration and intensity related to the stressful event. Thus, situational adjustment reaction is the most fitting description for depressive symptoms that follow a clear precipitant.