A condition that causes excessive reactions to stress is called adjustment disorder. It involves strong emotions, negative thoughts, and behavioral changes. In other words, a stressful situation causes much more intense reactions than expected. Therefore, it causes multiple problems in getting along with others at work or school.
In general, stress can be caused by work problems, going to school, chronic health conditions, or other life changes. Mostly, people get used to certain changes that cause stress within months. However, in people with adjustment disorders, emotional and behavioral reactions do not disappear, which may make you feel more anxious and depressed.
However, there are certain treatments that may help regain emotional well-being.
Symptoms
People with this disorder usually experience different treatments because it depends on several factors. For example, the type and severity of the condition, overall health, and others. However, this condition negatively affects how you feel and think about yourself and the world. Check below some adjustment disorder symptoms:
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Lack of interest in things once enjoyed
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or stressed out
- Sleeping disturbances (insomnia)
- Appetite changes
- Irritability
- Social isolation
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Difficulty performing daily activities
- Avoid doing important things (such as paying bills or going to work)
In most cases, the symptoms of this disorder begin within 3 months after a stressful situation. While some people experience these symptoms not longer than 6 months, others continue to have symptoms even after this period of time.
People usually learn to cope with stressors over time. When the symptoms interfere with your daily routine, immediately contact your healthcare professional.
Furthermore, those who suffer from adjustment disorder have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or even attempts. If you are thinking about suicide or a loved one thinks about it, immediately call or text 988 in the U.S.
Causes
Major changes or stressful situations are the primary cause of this disorder. However, genetics, life experiences, and temperament also make people more prone to develop it.
Risk Factors
Positive or negative stressful situations can elevate the risk of developing adjustment disorder. For example:
- Major stress during childhood, including bullying, difficulties at school, and others
- Marriage problems or divorce
- Relationship problems
- Certain bad experiences, such as losing a job or a loved one, financial problems, and others
- Life-threatening situations, including physical assault, combat, or natural disaster
- Difficulties at work
- Chronic health conditions
- Multiple stressful situations that happen at the same time
- Other mental health problems, including intense anxiety, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
What Are The Possible Complications of Adjustment Disorder?
If you ignore the symptoms and do not get treatment, it may lead to more serious mental disorders. For example, anxiety, major depressive disorder, or substance misuse. If you think you have an adjustment disorder, do not hesitate to see a doctor as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Adjustment Disorder?
Unfortunately, there are no sure ways to prevent this mental health condition. However, some things may reduce the risk and help you recover faster once it occurs. These include social support, healthy coping skills, stress management, and others.
You can also make a plan, move, or retire ahead if you know a stressful situation is coming up. Moreover, you can ask for help from your family and friends anytime. In general, stressful situations happen regularly, and you should remind yourself that you can get through them. If you face problems with stress management, contact your healthcare professional.
Diagnosis
Mental health providers usually diagnose this condition by talking with the patient about major life stressors and may ask some questions about the symptoms and how they impact your life. Check below some guidelines that may also help diagnose adjustment disorder:
- Behavioral and emotional symptoms last more than 3 months
- The stress response is higher than expected, or it causes problems at work or school
- The symptoms are not a part of another mental disorder or the grieving process
Adjustment Disorder Types
According to guidelines, there are 6 types of adjustment disorder. These include:
- Depressed mood – It often causes symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, tiredness, and lack of interest and pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
- Anxiety – The primary symptoms of this adjustment disorder type are nervousness, difficulty concentrating and remembering things, and feeling overwhelmed.
- Anxiety and depressed mood – In such cases, the symptoms may appear from both previous types.
- Disturbed conduct – The symptoms include behavioral problems (such as fighting or reckless driving) and damage or destruction of property (mostly in children).
- Disturbed emotions and conduct – Those who experience this type of adjustment disorder may experience a combination of symptoms from depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems.
- Unspecified – This type of adjustment disorder often causes symptoms that do not fit other types of this mental disorder. These include physical problems, relationship problems, and others.
Treatment
There are a lot of people who get better with treatment. Doctors often prescribe talk therapy (also called psychotherapy) and medicines.
Psychotherapy
This is usually the primary treatment for people with adjustment disorder. It can be performed alone or in a group. In most cases, this therapy can help:
- Return to the typical routine
- Learn how to cope with stressful situations
- Manage stress
- Change negative thoughts with positive ones
Medications
Healthcare providers may prescribe some medicines for depression and anxiety to reduce the symptoms caused by these mental disorders. If you take medications along with talk therapy, the treatment will last up to several months. To get a better effect from medications, you should take them exactly as prescribed by your doctor. For instance, if you suddenly stop using antidepressants, it may lead to certain physical reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PTSD and adjustment disorder?
The primary difference between these mental disorders is that adjustment disorder occurs due to stressful situations, while PTSD often happens after a traumatic event. However, not everyone who goes through a stressful situation develops an adjustment disorder.
What happens if adjustment disorder goes untreated?
It is not recommended to ignore the symptoms and not treat this condition because it may lead to certain serious complications. For example, major depression, chronic (long-term) adjustment disorder, and other severe mental disorders.
What medication is used for adjustment disorder?
Generally, doctors prescribe medicines to lessen the symptoms rather than treat the condition itself. They often prescribe anti-anxiety medicines, antidepressants, sleeping aids, and others. If you have additional questions, ask your mental health professional.
