Adjustment Disorder: Definition, Symptoms, & Treatment
people worldwide live with adjustment disorder
Adjustment disorders are characterized by excessive reactions to stressors that create negative thought loops and can create behavioral issues. This disorder is commonly identified in children and adolescents, yet it can also impact adults. The symptoms of adjustment disorders present differently depending on the type. These disorders can manifest with symptoms like anxiety, depressed mood, emotional turmoil, disturbances in behavior, or a blend of these states.
Treatment approaches for adjustment disorders are contingent on various factors, including individual psychotherapy, family therapy, and group therapy involving peers.
What is Adjustment Disorder?
An adjustment disorder refers to a behavioral or emotional response triggered by a significant event or transition in a person’s life. This reaction is considered excessive or unhealthy when it occurs within three months of the event. For children and adolescents, such events might include a family relocation, parental divorce, loss of a pet, or the arrival of a new sibling. An adjustment response may also arise from sudden illness or the imposition of restrictions due to chronic health conditions. Although adjustment disorders can affect adults, they are more commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents.
Types of Adjustment Disorders
Adjustment disorders, sometimes broadly described as situational depression, are categorized into subtypes based on the predominant symptoms and emotional responses. These subtypes help to better understand the nature of the person’s reaction to the stressful event.
Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
This subtype involves feeling sad and hopeless alongside a general sense of despair in response to the stressful event. Individuals may experience changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.
Adjustment disorder with anxiety
In this subtype, excessive worry, nervousness, and feelings of apprehension are prevalent responses to the stressor. Physical symptoms such as trembling, restlessness, and palpitations may also occur.
Adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood
This subtype combines symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Individuals may feel sad, irritable, and anxious simultaneously. Challenges with sleep, appetite, and concentration may be evident.
Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct
This subtype involves behavioral changes like acting out, defiance, or engaging in risky behaviors in response to the stressor. These behaviors might deviate from the person’s usual conduct and may lead to conflicts with authority figures.
Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct
In this subtype, emotional and behavioral symptoms coexist. Individuals may experience a combination of mood swings, irritability, and conduct disturbances.
Unspecified adjustment disorder
This subtype is used when the person’s symptoms do not precisely fit into the above categories but still indicate a significant emotional reaction to a stressor.
Identifying the specific subtype of adjustment disorder helps healthcare professionals tailor treatment plans to address the predominant symptoms and emotional challenges faced by the individual. The subtypes are not mutually exclusive, and it is possible for someone to experience elements from multiple subtypes.
Symptoms of Adjustment Disorders
Personality disorders like adjustment disorders are diagnosed according to the symptoms outlined in DSM-5-TR (the latest revised edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
Adjustment disorder criteria can vary greatly depending on the individual, the nature of the stressor, and their overall coping mechanisms. These are the adjustment disorder DSM 5
symptoms:
Intense feelings of sadness, despair, or a sense of impending doom.
Heightened feelings of fear, unease, or worry, often accompanied by physical sensations like restlessness and racing heart.
Increased irritability, agitation, and a shorter temper than usual.
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable.
Insomnia, nightmares, or oversleeping as a response to the stressor.
Significant weight loss or gain due to altered eating habits.
Unexplained physical complaints such as headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension.
Avoiding social interactions and isolating from friends and family.
Engaging in impulsive, risky activities that are out of character.
Decreased performance in school, work, or other responsibilities.
Frequent conflicts with authority figures, defiance, or refusal to follow rules.
Struggling to focus, make decisions, or retain information.
Forgetfulness and difficulty recalling information.
Persistent negative thoughts about self, the situation, or the future.
Increased conflicts and challenges within relationships, including family, friends, and peers.
Withdrawing from others due to feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment.
Adjustment disorder symptoms may overlap with those of other mental health conditions, making accurate diagnosis a cornerstone of effective treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms following a stressful event, seek professional help for proper assessment and guidance. Early intervention and appropriate support can streamline coping and recovery.
If you have been feeling any of these symptoms, and you are in need of help, please give our friendly team a call.
Treatment for Adjustment Disorders
The appropriate treatment strategy for adjustment disorders will be determined by the healthcare provider, considering factors such as:
- Age, general health, and medical history
- Severity of symptoms
- Subtype of adjustment disorder
- Receptiveness to specific therapies
- Predictions regarding the course of the stressful event
- Personal preference
Potential treatment options may involve:
This therapy employs cognitive-behavioral techniques, aiming to enhance age-appropriate problem-solving, communication, impulse control, anger management, and stress coping skills.
This approach often centers on initiating necessary changes within the family dynamic, such as enhancing communication and interactions. An additional emphasis is placed on promoting increased family support.
This form of therapy is geared towards honing social and interpersonal skills, often in a group setting.
Medication usage is generally limited in the treatment of adjustment disorders and is not normally a first-line treatment.
Collaborating with the healthcare provider and considering various factors will guide the decision-making process.
Get Treatment for Adjustment Disorders at Connections
We specialize in the treatment of mental health disorders like adjustment disorder at Connections Mental Health in Southern California. Our compassionate and experienced team deliver customized care for those dealing with personality disorders like adjustment disorder.
Our tranquil beachside facility is intended to offer a nurturing, homely setting in which you can engage with treatment that blends the latest psychiatric science with holistic interventions for whole-body healing.
Whether you or a loved one are struggling with mental health issues, you can gain clarity, stability, and support at Connections Mental Health. Call admissions today at 844-759-0999 for more information about our inpatient adjustment disorder treatment programs and start your healing journey tomorrow.
