Adjustment disorder is an unexpectedly strong emotional or behavioral reaction that occurs in response to an identifiable stressful life event or life change that occurred within the previous three months.
Types of Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder can be acute (lasting less than six months) or chronic (lasting longer than six months). Keep in mind that the definition of adjustment disorder does not allow the symptoms to last longer than six months after the stressor has terminated. A chronic diagnosis is only allowed if the stressful event or life change is persistent. In addition to an acute and chronic diagnosis, there are six subtypes of adjustment disorder that are classified by the predominant symptoms you are experiencing. The six subtypes are:
adjustment disorder with depressed mood
adjustment disorder with anxiety
adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood
adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct
adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct
unspecified adjustment disorder (problematic thinking and behavior that is not classifiable by the other adjustment disorder subtypes
What Causes Adjustment Disorder?
Adjustment disorder develops as a reaction to a stressful life event or a major life change. Events or changes that may cause you to develop adjustment disorder include:
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a lack of emotional development
a lack of flexibility for life changes
a lack of good coping skills
a lack of social skills
a lack of a support system
past experiences
other mental health problems
genetic factors
intelligence
What are the Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder?
Symptoms of adjustment disorder vary according to the subtype. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms if you have adjustment disorder:
agitation
anxiety
excessive worrying
poor concentration
difficulty sleeping
feeling overwhelmed
depression
inappropriate conduct
avoiding family and friends
thoughts of suicide
suicidal behavior
trembling or twitching
heart palpitations
physical complaints
How Is Adjustment Disorder Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask you questions to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of adjustment disorder. You must meet all of the following criteria to be diagnosed with adjustment disorder:
your symptoms must have developed within three months of the stressor
your symptoms are more severe than would normally be expected in reaction to your stressor and is causing distress, social impairment, or occupational impairment
your symptoms are not caused or exacerbated by another disorder
your symptoms are not part of the normal grieving and sorrow experienced after the death of a loved one
How Is Adjustment Disorder Treated?
The goal of treatment for adjustment disorder is to relieve your symptoms and to help you develop coping skills for the future. Treatment options for adjustment disorder include:
Psychotherapeutic Counseling
Psychotherapeutic counseling helps you to identify your stressors, learn coping skills, and get support. Forms of psychotherapeutic counseling include:
personal therapy
stress management therapy
cognitive behavioral therapy
family therapy
group therapy
Medication
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help relieve your symptoms while you are undergoing psychotherapeutic counseling. Medications are rarely used as a sole treatment for adjustment disorder, because they only temporarily relieve the symptoms, unlike psychotherapeutic therapy, which provides long-term or permanent relief of symptoms. Medications that https://www.kiwibox.com/habitualbi078/blog/entry/119938835/the-best-light-boxes-for-sad-seasonal-affective-disorder/ might be prescribed to you include:
antianxiety medicines
antidepressant medicines
antipsychotic medicines (uncommon)
stimulants (if you are withdrawn)
Prognosis
Most adults respond well to treatment for adjustment disorder and have a good long-term prognosis, while adolescents may not respond as well to treatment and may develop major psychiatric illnesses.
Prevention
There is no known guaranteed way to prevent adjustment disorder. You may be able to reduce your risk of developing the disorder by doing the following:
seek support from family and friends
talk to a healthcare professional if you start to feel stressed
try to have a flexible attitude regarding where your life will lead
think positively
live a healthy lifestyle (healthy diet and exercise)
