Overview
Adjustment disorders are excessive reactions to stress that involve negative thoughts, strong emotions, and changes in behavior. They are a response to a stressful change or event that is more intense than would typically be expected. These reactions can cause problems in getting along with others, as well as at work or school. Common symptoms include feeling sad, hopeless, anxiety, worry, irritability, difficulty sleeping, not eating enough, difficulty concentrating, difficulty with daily activities, and withdrawing from social support. Adjustment disorders can lead to more serious mental health conditions if they are not resolved. The causes of adjustment disorders are stressful life events and experiences, genetics, life experiences, and temperament. There are no guaranteed ways to prevent adjustment disorders, but social support, healthy coping skills, and learning to recover quickly from hard times may help during times of high stress.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of adjustment disorders include:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or not enjoying things you used to enjoy.
- Crying often.
- Worrying, feeling anxious, nervous, jittery, or stressed out.
- Feeling irritable or overwhelmed.
- Having trouble sleeping.
- Loss of appetite or not eating enough.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Struggling with daily activities.
- Withdrawing from family and friends who provide social support.
- Neglecting important tasks, such as going to work or paying bills.
- Thoughts of suicide or acting on those thoughts. These symptoms typically arise within three months of a stressful event and last no longer than six months after the event. If the stressful event persists, adjustment disorders can continue for longer than six months. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to seek help from a mental health professional.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing adjustment disorders include stressful life events and experiences, both positive and negative. Examples of risk factors include major stress as a child, divorce or marriage problems, relationship problems, major changes in life, bad experiences such as losing a job or losing a loved one, and ongoing stressors like living in a neighborhood with a high crime rate or having a medical illness. Other factors that may contribute to the development of adjustment disorders are genetics, previous life experiences, and one's temperament.
Development
Adjustment disorders develop as a result of excessive reactions to stress that involve negative thoughts, strong emotions, and changes in behavior. The reaction to a stressful change or event is much more intense than would typically be expected. Some common stressors that can lead to adjustment disorders include work problems, going away to school, an illness, or any number of life changes. The symptoms of adjustment disorders depend on the type of adjustment disorder and can vary from person to person. They can affect how someone feels and thinks about themselves and the world, as well as their actions or behavior. Examples of symptoms include feeling sad, hopeless, or not enjoying things they used to, crying often, worrying or feeling anxious, nervous, jittery or stressed out, feeling irritable, difficulty sleeping, not eating enough, difficulty concentrating, difficulty with daily activities, withdrawing from family and friends, and thinking about suicide or acting on those thoughts. Adjustment disorders usually start within three months of a stressful event and last no longer than six months after the end of the stressful event. However, if the stressful event is ongoing or there are multiple stressors, adjustment disorders can continue for more than six months. It is important to seek medical attention if adjustment disorder symptoms persist or worsen, or if there are life-threatening experiences, ongoing stressors, other mental health conditions, or substance misuse.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if adjustment disorders are suspected when you or someone you know is experiencing unexplained withdrawal, fear, sadness, or irritability that lasts for an extended period. Other symptoms to look out for include a sad and listless appearance, lack of response to comfort, failure to smile, watching others closely but not engaging in social interaction, and no interest in interactive games. Additionally, if there are behavior problems, such as failing to seek support or assistance, it may be time to consult a doctor.
Diagnosis
A mental health professional can diagnose adjustment disorders by identifying major life stressors, the patient's symptoms, and how those symptoms affect their ability to function in daily life. They will likely ask about the patient's medical, mental health, and social history. To diagnose adjustment disorders, the following criteria must be met:
- Emotional or behavioral symptoms must occur within three months of a stressful event.
- The stress must be greater than what is typically experienced for the situation, causing problems in social connections, work, or school.
- Symptoms cannot be due to another mental health issue or part of the normal grieving process. Adjustment disorders can be categorized into six types:
- Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
- Adjustment disorder with anxiety
- Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood
- Adjustment disorder with disturbed conduct
- Adjustment disorder with disturbed emotions and conduct
- Unspecified adjustment disorder The length of symptoms can vary, with adjustment disorders being either short-term (lasting six months or less) or long-term (lasting more than six months). Treatment for adjustment disorders usually involves talk therapy, such as individual, group, or family therapy. Medications may also be prescribed in some cases.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Adjustment disorders can lead to more-serious mental health conditions such as anxiety, major depression, or misuse of drugs or alcohol if left untreated. Other complications may include withdrawing from family and friends, not performing important tasks like going to work or paying bills, and even thinking about or acting on suicidal thoughts.
Home Remedies
It is important to note that adjustment disorders can be serious, and if you are experiencing symptoms, it is recommended that you seek professional help from a mental health professional who can provide appropriate treatment and support.
Treatment
Treatment for adjustment disorders typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medications.
- Psychotherapy: Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy helps individuals understand their feelings and learn healthy coping mechanisms. Some common types of therapy used for adjustment disorders include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thought patterns, and interpersonal therapy (IPT), which focuses on improving communication and problem-solving skills in personal relationships.
- Medications: Antidepressant medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. It's important to note that these medications may take several weeks to begin working, and the effectiveness may vary from person to person. It's crucial to consult with a mental health professional or a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for adjustment disorders, as each case is unique, and the best approach may vary based on individual needs and severity of symptoms. Remember that treatment for adjustment disorders is essential in regaining emotional well-being and preventing the development of more severe mental health conditions.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for adjustment disorders, you can make a list of any symptoms you've experienced, the duration of these symptoms, and how they've impacted your daily life. Include any major stresses or recent life changes you've encountered, as well as any medical information, including current physical or mental health conditions, and any medications, vitamins, herbs, or other supplements you're taking. Bringing along a family member or friend to provide additional information and support can also be helpful. Remember to prepare a list of questions to ask your mental health provider during the appointment to ensure you cover all relevant topics.