Diagnosis

Adjustment disorders are complex reactions to stress that involve negative thoughts, intense emotions, and behavioral changes. The response to a challenging event is far more intense than usual, leading to difficulties in personal relationships, work, or school.

Life-changing events such as work-related issues, starting school, dealing with an illness, or various other changes can trigger stress. Usually, people adapt to such changes within a few months. However, individuals with adjustment disorders continue to experience emotional and behavioral disturbances, leading to increased anxiety or depression.

Fortunately, treatment options are available to help individuals regain emotional well-being.

Symptoms of Adjustment Disorders

Symptoms of adjustment disorders can vary depending on the individual and the specific type of disorder. The stress experienced in response to a challenging event significantly impacts daily life, leading to various symptoms such as:

• Feeling persistent sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
• Frequent crying episodes.
• Experiencing excessive worry, anxiety, nervousness, or feeling overwhelmed.
• Feeling irritable, unable to cope with daily tasks, and unsure of where to start.
• Having trouble sleeping and experiencing disruptions in sleep patterns.
• Changes in appetite, leading to not eating enough.
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
• Struggling with daily activities and responsibilities.
• Withdrawing from social interactions with supportive friends and family.
• Neglecting important tasks, like work or bill payments.
• Having thoughts of suicide or engaging in self-harming behaviors.

Typically, symptoms of adjustment disorders develop within three months of a stressful event and last no longer than six months after the event's end. However, in cases where the stressor is ongoing (e.g., long-term unemployment), the adjustment disorder may persist for more than six months.

Seeking Help

While stressors are often temporary, adjustment disorder symptoms can endure if the underlying stress persists or if new stressors emerge. It is essential to seek help from a doctor or mental health professional if you find it challenging to cope with daily life or if you struggle to get through each day.

If you are concerned about a child's behavior, consult with their doctor to address the issues promptly.

Dealing with Suicidal Thoughts

Individuals with adjustment disorders are at higher risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, it is vital to reach out for immediate help. Consider contacting a suicide hotline for counseling:

• In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. You can also use the Lifeline Chat service, which is free and private.
• U.S. veterans or service members can call 988 and press "1" for the Veterans Crisis Line, or text 838255, or chat online for support.
• The U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers a toll-free Spanish-language phone line at 1-888-628-9454.

Causes and Risk Factors

Major life changes or stressors are the primary causes of adjustment disorders. A combination of genetics, life experiences, and temperament may contribute to an individual's susceptibility to developing an adjustment disorder.

Various risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing an adjustment disorder, including:

• Experiencing significant stress during childhood, such as bullying or academic challenges.
• Marital issues or divorce.
• Difficulties in relationships or conflicts with others.
• Major life transitions like retirement, parenthood, or relocation.
• Experiencing traumatic events, such as losing a job, the death of a loved one, or financial problems.
• Challenges at school or work.
• Surviving life-threatening experiences, like physical assault, combat, or natural disasters.
• Experiencing ongoing stressors like chronic illness or living in high-crime areas.
• Experiencing multiple major changes or stressful events simultaneously.
• Having other mental health conditions like major depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Complications and Prevention

If left unresolved, adjustment disorders can lead to more severe mental health conditions such as anxiety, major depression, or substance abuse.

While there are no guaranteed methods to prevent adjustment disorders, certain strategies can help during times of high stress:

• Seek social support from friends and family.
• Learn healthy coping skills to manage stress effectively.
• Develop resilience to recover quickly from challenging situations.
• Plan ahead and increase healthy habits when anticipating stressful events.
• Consult healthcare or mental health professionals to explore healthy stress management techniques.