Adjustment disorder is surprisingly common and can affect people at any life stage. Even people who who have had no history of mental or emotional disorders can be affected. Also referred to as situational, exogenous, or reactive depression, this disorder is typically less severe than clinical depression and tends to be more short-lived if treated appropriately. This disorder differs from many other mental disorders in that it always has a specific external trigger, or set of triggers, rather than being caused by genetics or developing slowly over an individual’s lifetime.
What Is Adjustment Disorder?
MedlinePlus.gov defines adjustment disorder as:
A group of symptoms, such as stress, feeling sad or hopeless, and physical symptoms that can occur after [one goes] through a stressful life event.
While significant life events can trigger a stress reaction in most people, a person under its effects will experience symptoms of stress more acutely and for a longer period of time than others. Symptoms may interfere with a person’s daily life and relationships, but many individuals who go through it find that they are able to function as usual, perhaps by making some small changes in order to help cope with the symptoms.
Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder
According to WebMD, the symptoms of adjustment disorder can parallel those of clinical depression, including:
- Tearfulness;
- Feelings of hopelessness;
- Loss of interest in work or activities;
- Worry and generalized anxiety;
- Headaches or stomachaches;
- Difficulty maintaining relationships.
People with adjustment disorder do not typically experience sleep problems or the other more severe symptoms of clinical depression such as suicidal ideation. However, these symptoms can be present, especially if the person has a co-occurring mental or physical disorder that exacerbates the symptoms. Severe symptoms should not be left untreated.
Causes of Adjustment Disorder
People with adjustment disorder typically find that their symptoms begin within three months of the triggering life event and rarely last for longer than six months. Symptoms can be triggered by stressful life events such as the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, financial problems, or a breakup can all trigger symptoms. Ongoing events such as difficulty in school or financial problems can also cause a person to develop adjustment disorder. As yet, no physical cause has been shown to cause adjustment disorder, and no known strategies exist to prevent its development.
Other Issues that Relate to Adjustment Disorder
While any person can develop adjustment disorder in response to a stressful life event, there are some risk factors that can determine whether a person is more likely to develop adjustment disorder. The Mayo Clinic notes that a stressful childhood may make a person more likely to struggle coping with stressful events later in life. Other mental health concerns, frequent exposure to violence or abuse, and troubling circumstances in a person’s life can also increase an individual’s risk for developing adjustment disorder.
Adjustment Disorder Treatment Options
Cognitive behavioral therapy, commonly known as CBT, is currently the most effective treatment option for people who have been diagnosed with adjustment disorder. Because inadequate coping strategies are typically at the root of adjustment disorder, a behavioral therapist can help the individual to develop more effective ways to cope with stress, thus lessening the symptoms of adjustment disorder.
Other types of talk therapy such as support groups may also be effective, depending on the individual’s personality and the specific event which triggered the symptoms. Group therapy can be a positive experience where individuals can share what strategies they have used that have helped and what strategies have not, as well as developing a sense of community with others who have shared similar experiences. It should be noted that group therapy is not appropriate for all individuals, particularly those with social anxiety.
While medication can sometimes be helpful in alleviating severe symptoms such as sleeplessness or extreme anxiety, it should only be used in conjunction with talk therapy. Because adjustment disorder is caused by external circumstances, the individual must learn to appropriately cope with his or her emotions in order to alleviate symptoms and avoid developing negative coping strategies. Medication alone is not a sufficient treatment for this order and should only be used in the short-term to manage severe symptoms. Mild symptoms generally do not require the use of medication.
When to Seek Treatment for Adjustment Disorder
Sometimes, adjustment disorder can resolve on its own with time and patience. However, severe symptoms may require treatment in order to prevent developing destructive coping mechanisms and to help the individual heal. Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, inability to perform typical daily functions and social interactions, or symptoms lasting longer than six months are all cues that the individual should seek professional treatment for symptoms.
Sometimes the events which triggered the initial symptoms may be ongoing, such as in the case of work stress, a prolonged divorce, or financial difficulties. In these cases, even individuals experiencing mild symptoms would do well to seek professional treatment to help them learn to cope with their circumstances in a healthy way and to prevent the development of more serious symptoms.
Have you or a loved one experienced adjustment disorder? What treatment options did you find helpful? Tell us your experiences in the comments, and don’t forget to share this article to help us spread the word about this common disorder.
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