Adjustment disorder (patient information)
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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.
Overview
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.
What are the symptoms of Adjustment disorder?
- 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:
- Agitation
- Conduct disturbances
- Depressed mood
- Palpitations
- Physical complaints
- Trembling or twitching
- 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.
What causes Adjustment disorder?
- Adults often develop adjustment disorder due to marital or financial problems.
- In adolescents, common stressors include:
- Family conflict
- School problems
- Sexuality issues
- Other stressors for people of any age include:
- Death of a loved one
- General life changes
- Unexpected catastrophes
- 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:
- Coping strategies
- Intelligence
- Flexibility
- Genetic factors
- Social skills
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of adjustment disorder.
Diagnosis
The following criteria need to be met to establish a diagnosis:
- The symptoms clearly follow a stressor
- The symptoms are more severe than would be expected
- There do not appear to be other underlying disorders
- The symptoms are not part of normal grieving for the death of a loved one
Treatment options
- 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:
- Get support
- Identify his or her abnormal responses to the stressor
- Maximize the use of his or her strengths
- 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:
- Behavior therapy
- Individual psychotherapy
- Family therapy
- Self-help groups
- When medications are used, they are usually in addition to other forms of treatment. Depending on the symptoms, these may include:
- Anti-anxiety medicines
- Antidepressant medicines
- Antipsychotic medicines (rarely)
- Stimulants (for patients who are very withdrawn)
Where to find medical care for Adjustment disorder?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Adjustment disorder
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Adjustment disorders usually get better quickly without any remaining symptoms.
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent this disorder. Strong support from friends and family can help.