Adjustment Disorder

What is Adjustment Disorder

​

You may have heard the term “adjustment disorder” before, but what does it actually mean? An adjustment disorder is a type of mental health disorder that can occur after a person experiences a stressful life event. When someone experiences an adjustment disorder, they may have symptoms that interfere with their ability to function in their everyday lives. These symptoms can include depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. If you think you or someone you know may be experiencing an adjustment disorder, read on for more information about this mental health condition.

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Different Types of Adjustment Disorders

​

There are three different types of adjustment disorders:

1. With Depressed Mood: This type of adjustment disorder is characterized by symptoms of depression, such as feeling sad or blue, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and low energy levels.

2. With Anxiety: This type of adjustment disorder is characterized by symptoms of anxiety, such as feeling tense or nervous, having difficulty sleeping, and experiencing gastrointestinal distress.

3. With Mixed Anxiety and Depression: This type of adjustment disorder is characterized by symptoms of both anxiety and depression.

 

The Causes of Adjustment Disorder

​

There are many different causes of adjustment disorder. Some of the most common include:

-A major life event or stressor: This could be anything from a divorce or death in the family, to a job loss or financial difficulty.

-A change in living situation: This could include moving to a new city, starting a new job, or going away to college.

-A medical condition: Adjustment disorder can sometimes be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a chronic illness or disability.

-Substance abuse: Use of drugs or alcohol can also lead to adjustment disorder.

 

The Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder

​

Adjustment disorder (AD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a major life event or stressor. The symptoms of AD can vary, but they typically last for at least three months and can include:

​

-Anxiety

-Depression

-Excessive worry

-Mood swings

-Sleep problems

- social withdrawal

-Loss of appetite or overeating

-Irritability or outbursts of anger

 

How is Adjustment Disorder Diagnosed?

​

A diagnosis of adjustment disorder is made by a mental health professional after completing a clinical assessment. This assessment includes taking a thorough medical and mental health history, as well as conducting a physical examination. Diagnostic criteria for adjustment disorder are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

To be diagnosed with adjustment disorder, an individual must have experienced significant distress or impairment in functioning for at least one month following the onset of a stressor. The disturbance must be out of proportion to the severity or intensity of the stressor and must not be better explained by another mental disorder.

The individual must also meet at least two of the following criteria:

1. Marked problems in functioning in at least two important areas of life, such as work, school, or social relationships.

2. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day.

3. Anxious or irritable mood most of the day, nearly every day.

4. Sleep disturbance (insomnia or hypersomnia) most of the day, nearly every day.

5.Decreased appetite or overeating most of the day, nearly every day.

 

The Treatment of Adjustment Disorder

​

The most common treatment for adjustment disorder is psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can help you manage your emotions and work through the stressors that are causing your adjustment disorder.

If you are struggling with adjustment disorder, there are a number of different treatment options available to you. The most common treatment is psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that can help you manage your emotions and work through the stressors that are causing your adjustment disorder.

Psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for people with adjustment disorder because it can help them understand and cope with their emotions. If you are considering psychotherapy as a treatment option, it is important to find a therapist who you feel comfortable with and who has experience treating people with adjustment disorder.

In addition to psychotherapy, there are also medication options available for people with adjustment disorder. Medications can be used to help reduce anxiety or depression, which can often be associated with adjustment disorder. If you are considering medication as a treatment option, it is important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking medication.