This person may act out against society, skip school, or begin to have trouble with the police. A person with an adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct would have a mixture of emotional and conduct problems. In the United States the same number of males and females experience the various adjustment disorders. Adjustment disorders can occur at any age. People are particularly vulnerable during normal transitional periods such as adolescence, mid-life, and late life.
Adjustment disorder is very common in the United States.
It is important to the therapist to learn the details that surround the stressful event or events in that person's life. No laboratory tests are required to make a diagnosis of adjustment disorder nor are there any physical conditions that must be met. However, it is very important for the therapist not to overlook a physical illness that might mimic or contribute to a psychological disorder. If there is any question whether the individual might have a physical problem, the mental health professional should recommend a complete physical examination by a medical doctor. Laboratory tests might be necessary as a part of the physical workup.