Adjustment Disorder

Adjustment Disorder
An adjustment disorder refers to a psychological disturbance that develops in response tostress.Adjustment disorders are caused by specific sources of stress, such as severe personal crisis (e.g., divorce, death of loved one, recent abuse, layoffs, break-ups, recent job changes) or major unexpected negative events (e.g., a storm or fire destroys a person's home, auto accident, or even witnessing a terrible accident).

Most of the time adjustment problems, while uncomfortable, are ultimately dealt with and do not need professional help to resolve them.However, sometimes your adjustment problems can cause you such discomfort that contacting a therapist or mental health provider proves invaluable.

Understanding an Adjustment Disorder
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 U.S. and affects approximately the same number of males and females

Most of the time, after a stressful event, coping techniques such as talking about your problems with loved ones, taking time off, or getting extra rest, may help you feel better within a few months. But if you've recently experienced a stressful event and your usual self-care steps aren't working, you may have an adjustment disorder.A person with adjustment disorder often experiences feelings of depression and/or anxiety. As a result, the person may act out behaviorally against the "rules and regulations" of family, work, or society or, instead of acting out, may tend to withdraw socially and isolate themselves.Still others may not experience behavioral disturbances, but will begin to suffer from physical problems and illnesses.No two people develop the identical symptoms in response to an adjustment disorder.

If you begin to feel distressed or out of control within three months of a stressful event, you may have an adjustment disorder. The specific signs and symptoms of an adjustment disorder may vary greatly from one affected person to the next, but they typically fit into one of the following

Adjustment Disorder Subtypes:

Adjustment disorder with depressed mood: If your symptoms primarily include feeling depressed, tearful and hopeless, and you don't take pleasure in the things you used to enjoy, you may have this type of adjustment disorder

Adjustment disorder with anxiety: The primary symptoms of this type of adjustment disorder include nervousness, worry, difficulty concentrating or remembering things, and feeling overwhelmed. Children who have adjustment disorder with anxiety may strongly fear being separated from their parents and loved ones.

Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood: People with this condition have symptoms that fit both of these types of adjustment disorder.

Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct: Behavioral problems, including violence and impulsive behavior, are characteristic of this type of adjustment disorder. Children and adolescents who are affected by this condition may skip school, vandalize property and get into fights.

Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct: People with this type of adjustment disorder experience symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as behavioral problems.

Adjustment disorder unspecified: You may be diagnosed with this type of adjustment disorder if you experience emotional or behavioral problems soon after a difficult event, but your symptoms don't fit the other subtypes.

Researchers have suggested a distinct subtype called adjustment disorder with embittered mood. This proposed type of adjustment disorder is characterized by strong feelings of injustice and thoughts of revenge after a negative life experience. Obsessive thoughts about the negative event, a sense of helplessness and self-blame also are typical of this as-yet unofficial type of adjustment disorder.

Acute adjustment disorders: These last less than six months. Most adjustment disorders resolve in this time frame.