Adjustment Disorders – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Adjustment disorders occur when a person reacts too strongly to stressful situations. These reactions are much stronger than what would normally be expected, causing problems in relationships and at school or work.
Many life events can trigger stress, such as job issues, moving to college, health problems, or other significant changes. Most people adapt to these changes within a few months.
However, someone with an adjustment disorder continues to experience emotional or behavioral reactions that worsen feelings of anxiety or depression.
With proper help, people suffering from adjustment disorders can recover their emotional balance and learn healthier ways to manage stress.
Signs and Symptoms
Adjustment disorder symptoms vary from person to person. You might feel more stressed than expected after a difficult event, and this stress can cause significant problems in your daily life.
These disorders can change how you feel about yourself and the world around you. They may also affect your behaviors and actions.
Common symptoms include:
- Feeling sad, hopeless or losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Frequent crying
- Excessive worry, anxiety, or nervousness
- Irritability or feeling overwhelmed
- Sleep problems
- Poor appetite
- Trouble focusing
- Difficulty completing everyday tasks
- Pulling away from friends and family
- Neglecting important responsibilities like work or bills
- Thoughts about suicide or suicidal actions
Symptoms typically begin within three months of a stressful event and usually last no longer than six months after the stress ends. However, some adjustment disorders can continue longer, especially if the stressor persists, such as ongoing unemployment.
When to Get Medical Help
Stressful situations are usually temporary. Most people learn to cope with them over time, and symptoms often improve when the stress decreases.
However, sometimes the stressful situation continues or a new one develops, causing similar emotional challenges to return.
If you continue to struggle or find it hard to get through each day, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Treatment can help you cope better with stressful events and improve your outlook on life.
Parents concerned about their child’s behavior should discuss these concerns with their child’s doctor.
Crisis Support for Suicidal Thoughts
People with adjustment disorders may have a higher risk of suicide. If you’re thinking about suicide, contact a crisis helpline for support.
In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. You can also use their online chat service. All services are free and private.
Don’t wait to reach outātrained counselors are ready to listen and help you through this difficult time.
Causes
Adjustment disorders happen when people face big life changes or stress. Some factors can increase the risk:
- Genetic factors that run in families
- Personal life events and past experiences
- Individual temperament and personality traits
These elements together determine how someone might respond to major stressors in their life.
Risk Factors
Life events that cause stress can increase your chance of getting an adjustment disorder. These can be both good and bad experiences.
Childhood stress like bullying or school problems may play a role. Relationship challenges, including marriage issues or divorce, are common triggers.
Major life changes can also be risk factors:
- Retiring from work
- Having a baby
- Moving to a new place
- Losing a job
- Death of someone close
- Financial difficulties
Problems at work or school may contribute to adjustment disorders. Dangerous or frightening experiences like physical attacks, military combat, or natural disasters can be triggers, too.
Living with ongoing stress matters as well. This includes having a medical condition or residing in a high-crime area. Having multiple stressful events happen at once increases risk significantly.
People with existing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder may be more vulnerable to developing adjustment disorders.
Complications
If left untreated, adjustment disorders may develop into more serious health problems. These conditions can include:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Major Depression
- Substance Misuse Issues
People who don’t receive proper treatment might turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with their symptoms, creating additional health challenges.
Prevention
Preparing for stressful life events can help reduce the risk of adjustment issues. However, no method completely prevents these problems, so taking proactive steps is valuable.
Building a strong support network of friends and family provides emotional backing during difficult times. Also, developing healthy coping strategies before facing stressors gives you tools to manage challenges effectively.
When you know a significant change is approachingālike moving homes or retiringāplan ahead by:
- Strengthening healthy habits (exercise, proper sleep, balanced diet)
- Reaching out to loved ones for support
- Reminding yourself that stressful periods are temporary
- Consulting with healthcare providers about stress management techniques
Regular practice of stress-reduction activities like meditation or deep breathing can build resilience. Remember that intentional preparation and self-care can improve your ability to bounce back from difficulties.
