Adjustment Disorders

DisclaimerThis page is not here to be used as a self-diagnosis, self-identification, or promotion - it's simply here to be informational. Whether or not one self-diagnoses, self-identifies, and/or seeks a professional diagnosis is up to them.Self-HermThe following page includes discussions of self-harm and suicide. If you are uncomfortable or get triggered by this topic, it is recommended to not read this page.

**Adjustment Disorders** are stress-related conditions. One experiences more stress than normally expected in response to unexpected events, and the stress causes significant problems in one's relationships, at work or at school.

Most of the time, individuals adjust to big changes like going away to school, illness, death of someone close, or any number of life changing events within a few months, but if one has an adjustment disorder, one continues to have emotional or behavioral reactions that can contribute to feeling anxious or depressed.

## Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms depend on the type of adjustment disorder and can vary from individual to individual.

Adjustment disorders affect how one feels and thinks about oneself and the world around them and may also affect ones actions and behavior.

* Feeling sad, hopeless or not enjoying things one used to enjoy.
* Frequent crying.
* Worrying or feeling anxious, nervous, jittery, or stressed out.
* Trouble sleeping.
* Lack of appetite.
* Difficulty concentrating.
* Feeling overwhelmed.
* Difficulty functioning in daily activities.
* Withdrawing from social supports.
* Avoiding important things such as work, school or bills.
* Suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Symptoms of an adjustment disorder start within three months of a stressful event and last no longer than six months after the end of a stressful event. However, persistent or chronic adjustment disorders can continue for more than six months, especially if the stressor is ongoing.

### Diagnosis

Adjustment disorders are predominantly diagnosed in children and adolescents, but they can also affect adults.

Although there are no imaging or lab tests to diagnose, doctors may sometimes use laboratory tests to rule out physical illness or other medical causes of changes in mood or behavior as the cause of the symptoms.

A doctor will diagnose someone based on the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5):

* A change in emotional or behavioral symptoms that happens within three months of a stressful event.
* Showing a level of distress that's more intense than would normally be expected in response to what happened.
* Having significant problems with personal life and/or work or school.
* Symptoms that aren't related to another illness or mental disorder.

## Recovery

Usually stressors are temporary and individuals learn to cope with them over time. Symptoms of adjustment disorders get better because the stressor has been erased, but sometimes the stressful event remains part of ones life, or a new stressful situation comes up, and one faces the same emotional struggles over again.

If one continues to struggle or if one has trouble getting through each day, it is recommended to seek professional help.

There is no guaranteed way to prevent adjustment disorders, but developing healthy coping skills may help during times of high stress.

If adjustment disorders do not resolve, they can eventually lead to more serious mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse.

## Causes

Adjustment disorders are caused by significant changes and stressors in life. Genetics and life experiences may increase the likelihood of developing an adjustment disorder.

### Stressful events

Stressful events, both positive and negative, may put one at risk of developing an adjustment disorder.

* Divorce or marital problems.
* Relationship or interpersonal problems.
* Changes in situation, such as retirement, having a baby, or moving for school/work.
* Adverse situations, such as losing a job, loss of a loved one, or having financial issues.
* Problems in school or at work.
* Life-threatening experiences.
* Ongoing stressors, such as having a medical illness or certain living conditions.

### Life Experiences

Life experiences can impact how one copes with stress. An individual's risk of developing an adjustment disorder may be increased under the following:

* Experiencing significant stress in childhood.
* Having other mental health conditions.
* Having a number of difficult life circumstances happening at the same time.

## References

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adjustment-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20355224
2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adjustment-disorders
3. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-adjustment-disorder