Adjustment disorder is an emotional and behavioral reaction that develops within 3 months of a life stress, and which is stronger or greater than what would be expected for the type of event that occurred.
Adults often develop adjustment disorder due to marital or financial problems.
In adolescents, common stressors include:
Other stressors for people of any age include:
There is no way to predict which people who are affected by the same stress are likely to develop adjustment disorder. Financial conditions, social support, and career and recreational opportunities can influence how well a person reacts to stress. A person's susceptibility to stress may be influenced by factors such as:
For a diagnosis of adjustment disorder, a person's symptoms must be severe enough to affect his or her work or social life. Some of the symptoms include:
Symptoms of adjustment disorder typically begin within 3 months of the stressor, and usually do not last longer than 6 months, unless the stressor continues to be present (such as an illness or living in a dangerous neighborhood).
On occasion, symptoms can be severe and the person may have thoughts of suicide or make a suicide attempt.
The following criteria need to be met to establish a diagnosis:
The main goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and help the person return to a similar level of functioning as before the stressful event occurred.
Individual therapy can help the person:
Most mental health professionals recommend some type of talk therapy to help the person identify or learn different responses to the stressors in their life. Types of therapy may include:
When medications are used, they are usually in addition to other forms of treatment. Depending on the symptoms, these may include:
Adjustment disorders usually get better quickly without any remaining symptoms.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of adjustment disorder.
There is no known way to prevent this disorder. Strong support from friends and family can help.
Powell AD. Grief, Bereavement, and adjustment disorders. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, Biederman J, Rauch SL, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 38.
Reviewed by: Fred K. Berger, MD, Addiction and Forensic Psychiatrist, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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