The presence of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor is the essential feature of adjustment disorders. The stressor may be a single event, or there may be multiple stressors. Stressors may be recurrent or continuous. Adjustment disorders may be diagnosed following the death of a loved one when the intensity, quality, or persistence of grief reactions exceeds what normally might be expected when cultural, religious, or age-appropriate norms are taken into account. Some stressors may accompany specific developmental events (e.g., leaving the parental home, and going to school). Symptoms must arise within three months of the onset of the stressor and last no longer than six months after the stressor has ended. Symptoms in children and adolescents tend to be more behavioral in nature, such as skipping school, fighting, or acting out. Adults, on the other hand, tend to experience more emotional symptoms, such as sadness and anxiety.
There are six different subtypes of adjustment disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V.
Adjustment disorders are caused by life stressors. Factors that influence how well a person reacts to stress cause an individual to be more susceptible to an adjustment disorder. These factors may include economic conditions, availability of social support, and occupational and recreational opportunities. Susceptibility to stress may include such factors as social skills, intelligence, genetics, and existing coping strategies.
Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder include:
There is no perfect way to approach a loved one that you assume or know is struggling with an adjustment disorder. If a family member or friend displays symptoms of an adjustment disorder, urge them to talk to a mental health professional. If a child or adolescent is struggling with an adjustment disorder, seek out an evaluation. Offer support and encouragement as much as possible is also helpful. Even though there is no known way to prevent adjustment disorder, strong family and social support can help a person work through a particularly stressful situation or event.
The best prevention is early treatment, which can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, and teach new coping skills. The primary goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and help the person achieve a level of functioning comparable to that before the stressful event. Treatments for adjustment disorders include psychotherapy, medications, or both.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling is used to identify the patterns of behaviors, thoughts, beliefs, etc. that may impact individuals with adjustment disorder. Therapy helps the person understand how and why the stressor has affected his or her life. It also helps the person develop better coping skills and stress management to deal with stressful events. Therapy can provide emotional support, help return to a normal routine, place stressors in perspective to overall life, and help the individual view stressors as a chance for positive change or improvement.
Support Groups
Support groups can be helpful by allowing the person to discuss their concerns and feelings with people who are coping with the same stress. Through support groups, individuals can also learn from their peers how others deal with stressful life events and how they have made progress in dealing with their adjustment disorders.
Medications
Some people with adjustment disorders benefit from taking medications. Medications are used to lessen some of the symptoms of adjustment disorders, such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. These medications include benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytics, SSRIs or SNRIs. If an individual is taking medications, it is important to know the side effects of the medication and consult a psychiatrist.
At Clarity Clinic, we understand the challenges that come with life's unexpected changes and transitions. Our specialized approach to Adjustment Disorder treatment is designed to provide you with the tools and support needed to navigate these challenges and regain your emotional well-being. Don't let adjustment difficulties define your life – take the crucial step towards healing and resilience by reaching out to us to schedule an appointment. Your journey to a more balanced and empowered life begins right here.
