Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition characterized by a person’s inability to adjust or cope with a stressful life event or change.
The DSM-V criteria for adjustment disorder include:
- The development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor(s) occurring within three months of the onset of the stressor(s).
- The symptoms are clinically significant, as evidenced by one or both of the following:
- Marked distress that is in excess of what would be expected from exposure to the stressor(s)
- Significant impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning
- The symptoms do not meet the criteria for another mental disorder and are not due to a normal bereavement response.
- Once the stressor or its consequences have terminated, the symptoms do not persist for more than an additional six months.
The symptoms of adjustment disorder may vary depending on the individual and the stressor involved.
Common symptoms may include:
- Anxiety or worry
- Depressed mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Social isolation
- A sense of hopelessness or despair
- Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches
- Avoidance of the stressor or reminders of the stressor
The causes of adjustment disorder are multifactorial, and may include the stressor itself, individual coping mechanisms, and underlying mental health conditions. Risk factors for developing adjustment disorder may include a history of trauma or prior stress-related disorders, a lack of social support, and personality traits such as neuroticism or low resilience.
Diagnosis of adjustment disorder may involve a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, including a physical exam and laboratory tests to rule out other underlying medical conditions. Differential diagnosis may involve ruling out other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety disorders, as well as normal grief reactions.
Treatment options for adjustment disorder may include psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thought patterns and developing coping strategies. Other forms of therapy, such as family therapy or group therapy, may also be beneficial. In some cases, medication such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed.
The typical recovery timeframe for adjustment disorder may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the individual’s response to treatment. In some cases, symptoms may resolve within a few weeks or months, while in others, symptoms may persist for up to six months. Prognosis for adjustment disorder is generally positive, with most individuals experiencing a full recovery with appropriate treatment. However, if left untreated, adjustment disorder can lead to chronic mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders.