Adjustment Disorders

What is an Adjustment Disorders?

Adjustment disorders are excessive reactions to stress that involve negative thoughts, strong emotions and changes in behavior. The reaction to a stressful change or event is much more intense than would typically be expected. This can cause a lot of problems in getting along with others, as well as at work or school.

Work problems, going away to school, an illness or any number of life changes can cause stress. Most of the time, people get used to such changes within a few months. But if you have an adjustment disorder, you continue to have emotional or behavioral responses that can make you feel more anxious or depressed.

Treatment can help you regain your emotional well-being.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type of adjustment disorder. These symptoms can vary from person to person. You experience more stress than would generally be expected in response to a trying event, and this stress causes a lot of problems in your life.

Adjustment disorders affect how you feel and think about yourself and the world. They also may affect your actions or behavior.

Some examples include:

  • Feeling sad, hopeless or not enjoying things you used to enjoy.
  • Crying often.
  • Worrying, or feeling anxious, nervous, jittery or stressed out.
  • Feeling irritable or like you can’t handle anything and don’t know where to start.
  • Having trouble sleeping.
  • Not eating enough.
  • Having difficulty concentrating.
  • Having difficulty with daily activities.
  • Withdrawing from family and friends who support you socially.
  • Not doing important things, such as going to work or paying bills.
  • Thinking about suicide or acting on those thoughts.
Symptoms of an adjustment disorder start within three months of a stressful event. These symptoms last no longer than six months after the end of the stressful event. But constant or lasting adjustment disorders can continue for more than six months. This is especially true if the stressful event is ongoing, such as being unemployed.

When to see a doctor

Stressors are usually temporary. You learn to cope with them over time. Symptoms of adjustment disorder usually get better when the stress eases. But sometimes the stressful event continues to be a part of your life. Or a new stressful situation comes up, and you face the same emotional struggles all over again.

Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you continue to struggle or if you’re having trouble getting through each day. You can get treatment to help you cope better with stressful events and feel better about life again.

Source: Mayo Clinic