Understanding Adjustment Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What Is an Adjustment Disorder?
An adjustment disorder is a type of mental health condition that occurs when someone struggles to cope with or adjust to a significant life change or stressful event. These situations might include losing a job, a divorce or breakup, moving, going to a new high school, going to college, or facing a major illness. While everyone experiences stress, people with adjustment disorders find it extremely difficult to move forward, leading to emotional and behavioral symptoms that interfere with daily life such as symptoms of depression or anxiety. You can learn more about how I treat adjustment orders here.
Adjustment Disorder Symptoms
Recognizing adjustment disorder symptoms early can help you received treatment sooner. Symptoms usually appear within three months of the triggering event and may include:
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Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
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Frequent crying or feeling overwhelmed
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Anxiety, nervousness, or restlessness
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Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
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Withdrawal from social activities
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Irritability or anger outbursts
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Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches
Causes of Adjustment Disorder
There can be many different triggers but below is a list of more common ones:
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Major life changes (divorce, retirement, moving)
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Traumatic events (accidents, loss of a loved one)
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Work-related stress or job loss
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Relationship conflicts
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Ongoing health problems
- Transitioning to college
Types of Adjustment Disorders
Mental health professionals diagnose adjustment disorders through a thorough clinical evaluation. There are several subtypes based on predominant symptoms:
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With depressed mood: sadness and hopelessness
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With anxiety: excessive worry, tension, or fear
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With mixed anxiety and depressed mood: both sadness and anxiety symptoms
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With disturbance of conduct: behavioral issues such as aggression or impulsivity
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With mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct: emotional and behavioral symptoms combined
- Unspecified: not fitting into any of the above but still symptoms of struggling with an adjustment.
Treatment for Adjustment Disorder
The good news is that treatment for adjustment disorder is highly effective. The main goal is to help individuals build resilience and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
1. Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy):
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to help identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive, adaptive behaviors.
2. Lifestyle and Self-Care:
Regular exercise, proper sleep, balanced nutrition, and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga can all support recovery.
3. Support Systems:
Connecting with supportive friends, family, or mental health support groups can make a significant difference in healing.
Coping with Stress and Preventing Adjustment Disorders
Developing strong stress management skills can help reduce the risk of adjustment disorders. Some helpful strategies include:
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Maintaining a consistent daily routine
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Practicing mindfulness or journaling
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Setting realistic goals and boundaries
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Seeking professional help early when overwhelmed
When to Seek Help
Sometimes when can be so hard on ourselves when we are struggling, but struggling does not mean weakness. It is a natural response to difficult life changes that disrupts your emotional balance. If you or someone you love is struggling to adjust to a life change and showing signs of emotional distress that persist, seeking help from a licensed mental health professional is a vital step. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and promote long-term emotional well-being. You can use my contact form to schedule a free consultation today.