Adjustment Disorder: Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Some unexpected stressful news or incidents or sudden financial emergencies will surely cause anxiety and stress. However, you might have adjustment disorder if you experience significant difficulty in coping with daily stress than an average person, or if you exhibit symptoms of hopelessness, nervousness, or the need to cry frequently.

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Adjustment Disorders also called Adjustment Control Disorders are a type of disorder that may occur if you experience a stressful event and have difficulties coping with it. These events can include relationship issues, death, losing a loved one, or losing a job.

In such situations, you go through more stress than you normally expect. As a result, stress ends up causing significant problems in your work, school or relationships.

There are altogether six different types of adjustment disorders. Find details regarding them here.

1. Adjustment Disorder - Depressed Mood

Individuals experiencing this tend to go through feelings of sadness, hopelessness and depression. They also have the feeling of crying a lot. In addition, individuals can notice that they no longer enjoy the activities they used to do previously.

2. Adjustment Disorder - Anxiety

Individuals suffering from this disorder experience being overwhelmed, worried and anxious. They also face troubles with memory and concentration. This disorder is commonly seen in children who have faced separation from their caregivers, close family members or those who have lost a loved one.

3. Adjustment Disorder - Depressed Mood and Mixed Anxiety

Individuals suffering from this disorder most often experience both anxiety and depression.

4. Adjustment Disorder – Conduct Disturbances

People suffering from this disorder mainly get involved with behavioural issues like starting a fight or driving recklessly. Most often, teenagers who get associated with this disorder might vandalise property or have tendencies to steal.

5. Adjustment Disorder - Mixed Disturbances on Conduct and Emotions

Individuals who undergo this disorder experience behavioural problems, anxiety and depression.

6. Adjustment Disorder - Unspecified

Individuals diagnosed with this type of adjustment disorder do not experience any particular symptoms, but often, it includes problems with school, work, friends and family.

Everyone is going to have a different experience while dealing with adjustment disorders. The intensity of the situation triggering an individual or the personal significance of the event will decide the severity of the symptoms.

A few common physical symptoms include:

• Hands sweating profusely
• Stomach aches or headaches
• Feeling the need to sleep but cannot sleep
• Soreness and body aches which make you think you are sick
• Palpitations in heart

Common behavioural or emotional symptoms:

• Acting impulsive, destructive, rebellious and reckless
• Being hopeless, agitated, feeling of being trapped or anxious
• Easily crying
• Changes in eating habits
• Having trouble with concentration
• Feeling sad; low self-esteem, lack of enthusiasm and energy
• Feeling of isolation
• No interest in daily activities
• Feeling overwhelmed and stressed
• Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
• Involving in suicidal behaviours and thoughts

There are several reasons why adjustment disorders are caused. Commonly, it is a situation that is extremely stressful to you, and it causes major problems in your social, work or personal life. It can lead to both positive and negative results. Some causes of adjustment disorders include:

• Death of a loved one
• Relationship issues such as divorce, breakups, or marital problems
• Having a baby
• Serious health conditions
• Problems in the school
• Facing financial issues
• Work issues (Loss of employment or being unable to perform according to expectations)
• Residing in a crime-ridden neighbourhood
• Retirement
• Unexpected tragedy or disaster

In addition, your well-being, personality, life experiences, family history and temperament are also considered while determining the causes behind adjustment disorder.

Your healthcare provider will perform a complete mental and physical exam to diagnose this disorder. Your diagnosis of adjustment disorder will depend on whether you meet these criteria or not.

• If you developed the behavioural or emotional symptoms within three months of the start of the stressful events
• Your symptoms of behavioural issues become very significant. This implies that you are experiencing more stress than any normal person would, and it is causing significant problems in your social, work or personal life
• The symptoms you have do not match any other mental health issue and are not a result of worsening another existing mental health issue.The symptoms are different from that of a normal grieving process

If your symptoms last less than six months, you have acute adjustment disorder, whereas if you have symptoms which last longer than six months, it means you have a chronic adjustment disorder.

If you have symptoms of adjustment disorders, you must take medical care. If it is left untreated, it might lead to major depressive episodes for a few people. In addition, if you turn to drugs or alcohol to manage your anxiety and stress, you might develop substance abuse problems.

You can choose the following methods as a treatment for adjustment disorder:

1. Medications

You might also benefit from taking medications in the case of adjustment disorders. The psychiatrist might refer you to medicines to lessen the symptoms of adjustment disorders like anxiety, depression and insomnia. The medications include -

• Non benzodiazepine anxiolytics, such as gabapentin (Neurontin)
• Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan) 
• SSRIs or SNRIs, such as venlafaxine (Effexor XR) or sertraline (Zoloft)

2. Therapy

Therapy is the first or primary method utilised by healthcare professionals for the treatment of adjustment disorder. For example, your healthcare provider might refer you to a mental health counsellor or psychologist. However, if your symptoms show that you need medication, then you will be referred to a physiatrist, nurse practitioner or psychiatrist.

Therapists will provide you with the emotional support you need and can assist you in understanding the cause of your disorder. With regular therapy, you might even be able to return to your regular activities and resume a normal life.

There are various kinds of therapy used to treat this disorder like:

• Crisis intervention
• Psychotherapy
• Group and family therapies
• Interpersonal therapy
• CBT or cognitive behavioural therapy
• Support groups that are specific to the problem or cause of the adjustment disorder
• Find activities that you like and give you purpose
• Connect with your family and friends

Generally, the stress factors are temporary, and you will learn to cope with them as time goes by. Your disorder symptoms will also improve as your stress lessens. However, sometimes the event which caused the disorder might remain a part of your life. Apart from that, a new situation might arise, which can result in you facing emotional struggles all over again.

In such situations, you might find it difficult and struggle to get through each day. Seek a doctor’s help to help you understand the problems and cope better with such stressful events.

If your child’s behaviour is concerning, then you can consult your child’s paediatrician.

Besides, if you have suicidal thoughts or the thought of harming or hurting someone, you can call up an emergency number or seek help from a known and loved one.

There are no proven or guaranteed ways that can prevent your adjustment disorders. However, if you develop healthy coping skills and learn to be strong enough to handle stressful situations, it might be of help.

A good way to prepare for it is to increase your inner strength and healthy habits and lean on your social support when you know a stressful situation is coming up. Keep in mind that this time shall pass, and you will get through it. Also, remember to visit your doctor to learn more about the healthy ways you can cope with your stress. 

You can also try to feel better by building your resilience. Try these tips:

• Connect with your family and friends
• Exercise and eat well
• Work and focus on your coping skills
• Keep a positive attitude
• Discover what you like to do and do it regularly
• Remember to sleep at least 8 hours a day
• Realise and recognise what your strengths are and build your strength accordingly
• Learn to face your fears

This was all about adjustment disorders. This article contains the necessary information you need to know about this disorder. If you are facing a similar situation or someone you know, seek help on an immediate basis.