Everyone experiences stress from time to time. However, some people have intense emotional or behavioral reactions to a significant life change or event. When this distress persists and interferes with day-to-day activities, it may indicate adjustment disorder.
Adolescents and adults face unique obstacles that can sometimes feel insurmountable. At Shorewood Behavioral Health, we offer age-appropriate, evidence-based treatment to help individuals cope with and overcome these hardships.
Understanding Adjustment Disorder
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), adjustment disorder falls under the trauma- and stressor-related disorders category. Stressors can include single events, major life transitions, and ongoing challenges. Examples include:
- Getting fired
- Becoming a parent
- Entering retirement
- Starting school
- Relocating
- Losing a loved one
- Going through a divorce
- Managing a chronic illness
- Facing financial difficulties
The diagnostic criteria for adjustment disorder includes:
- Symptoms occur within three months of encountering one or more stressors.
- The stress reaction is more severe than what would typically be expected or significantly affects the individual’s ability to function in daily life.
- The symptoms do not meet the criteria for another mental health condition.
- If the symptoms are a normal part of the grieving process, the diagnosis of adjustment disorder does not apply.
- Symptoms usually do not last more than six months after the stressful event has ended.
Adjustment disorder is usually a short-term diagnosis. However, if left unaddressed, it can develop into a long-term condition.
Therefore, it’s important to seek the help of a mental health professional who can conduct a thorough assessment, provide an accurate diagnosis, and get you on the path to improved well-being.
Signs & Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder
The DSM-5 outlines six subtypes of adjustment disorder, each with its own presenting symptoms:
- With depressed mood: Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- With anxiety: Excessive worry, fear, or nervousness
- Mixed anxiety and depressed mood: A combination of anxiety and depressive symptoms
- With disturbance of conduct: Behavioral symptoms such as acting recklessly or aggressively
- With mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct: A mix of all the above symptoms
- Unspecified: Symptoms that do not fit into the other classifications
Adjustment disorder can affect a person’s physical health, potentially leading to:
- Digestive issues, such as stomachaches or nausea
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
- Muscle soreness
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
Symptoms can either be acute (lasting less than six months) or chronic (continuing for six months or more). In most cases, adjustment disorder involves acute symptoms. However, if an individual is dealing with an ongoing stressor, such as a lifelong disability, they may develop chronic symptoms.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of adjustment disorder, it may be time to reach out for professional support. By taking this proactive step, you can address these symptoms, prevent them from worsening, and develop effective coping strategies.
Common Causes of & Risk Factors for Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder can affect anyone, at any stage of life. Often, it is triggered by various environmental factors. For adults, these might include:
- Making a career change
- Going through a breakup
- Being involved in a legal dispute or custody battle
- Coping with a medical diagnosis
- Facing a major financial setback, such as bankruptcy
In adolescents, stressors may include:
- Adjusting to a new school
- Dealing with bullying, academic pressure, or social exclusion
- Living in an unstable household
- Balancing part-time work with school responsibilities
- Having emotionally unsupportive parents
Everyone encounters varying levels of stress and responds to it in different ways. For example, someone who grows up in poverty and someone who is raised in a wealthy household will most likely have very different life experiences. The former might not have the same access to support systems, educational resources, or financial means as the latter. Because they may lack the proper tools to manage stress, they could be more susceptible to adjustment disorder.
However, even people who do not come from disadvantaged backgrounds can develop adjustment disorder because life always presents new and unexpected challenges.
Anyone who is suffering from adjustment disorder deserves support, understanding, and a chance at happiness.
Adjustment Disorder Facts & Statistics
The exact prevalence of adjustment disorder remains unclear, as research is still evolving. However, a study published in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) estimates:
- The condition affects 1%-2% of the general population.
- In clinical settings, the percentage of patients who are diagnosed with adjustment disorder ranges from 12%-30%, depending on the location.
NLM also determined that adjustment disorder is one of the most common mental health diagnoses, surpassing anxiety and depression in some populations.
Additionally, adjustment disorder is closely linked to suicidal thoughts and self-harm, especially among patients who are receiving acute inpatient care.
These facts and statistics highlight the need for improved understanding of this condition, greater access to mental healthcare services, and prompt, effective treatment for those in need.
Potential Effects of Untreated Adjustment Disorder
Left untreated, adjustment disorder can lead to harmful effects, such as:
- Symptoms that continue and get worse over time
- Development of another mental health concern
- Alcohol and drug use
- Self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Chronic stress can also take a toll on your physical health, potentially causing long-term illnesses, heart problems, digestive disorders, or a weakened immune system.
Addressing adjustment disorder early is crucial for preventing these complications and protecting your mind and body.
When & Why To Seek Support for Adjustment Disorder
It can be difficult to distinguish between a “normal” stress response and symptoms of adjustment disorder. You should consider seeking support if you’re:
- Struggling with persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worry
- Unable to complete daily tasks, maintain relationships, or meet expectations at school or work
- Dealing with fatigue, sleep disturbances, or other physical symptoms
- Engaging in unsafe or unhealthy behaviors as a way to cope
With the help of a qualified mental health professional, you can:
- Alleviate emotional symptoms through tailored therapy sessions and professional support
- Restore balance in your life by setting goals, establishing routines, and developing problem-solving skills
- Enhance physical well-being by managing stress-related symptoms and accessing necessary medical support
- Develop healthier coping strategies through guided learning and research-supported methods
Adjustment Disorder Treatment at Our Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin
When you receive treatment for adjustment disorder at Shorewood Behavioral Health, your care plan may include:
- Group therapy: Therapists, nurses, counselors, and mental health technicians lead group therapy sessions. In these interactive and educational sessions, you can connect with peers, gain valuable skills, and set short- and long-term goals.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is an evidence-based therapy designed to help you replace negative thoughts and behaviors with a more positive mindset and healthier habits.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Through DBT, you can learn how to manage overwhelming emotions, cope with stress more effectively, and improve your relationships.
- Motivational interviewing: Counselors use this method to engage you in the healing process. Through open communication and empathetic listening, they can help you overcome uncertainties and embrace change.
- Medication management services: If we believe that you could benefit from medication, you will have regular meetings with our medical team. They will monitor your progress, address any side effects, and adjust your treatment as needed.
- Basic medical care: We can provide essential medical care to meet your physical health needs.
We can also incorporate specialized therapies if you’re dealing with symptoms that stem from past trauma. Through trauma-focused care, we will strive to help you process these experiences and alleviate their effects.
At our adjustment disorder treatment center in Madison, Wisconsin, we embrace a whole-person care approach, combining therapeutic, medical, and social support to help you heal and thrive.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Shorewood Behavioral Health.
