These responses may be disproportionately more severe than typically expected.
This article goes over the different types of adjustment disorders, their symptoms, and what causes them.
It also discusses diagnosis and treatment.
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For example, someone with AD may be preoccupied with the event or its consequences.
Symptoms of adjustment disorder can vary from person to person.
Some people may feel anxious while others may feel irritable or sad.
Most experience excessive worry and repeated distressful thoughts about the stressor.
Duration of Symptoms
Symptoms of AD begin within three months of the stressful trigger.
However, acute stressors (such as losing a job) tend to bring on symptoms quickly.
AD typically resolves by six months after the stressor (and its consequences) are removed.
If the stressor is ongoing, the reaction may last longer as well.
If symptoms last longer than this, another condition may be present, such as an anxiety ormood disorder.
in these cases, a new diagnosis should be explored.
AD can have serious consequences and has been associated with an increasedrisk of suicide.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Adjustment Disorder Causes
A 2018 review likens AD to an analogy of the flu.
While the flu is a vastly different condition than AD, the comparison fits.
Everyone experiences stressful events, and most people respond proportionately withcoping strategies.
People with AD have an overactive, maladaptive response to a stressor.
With AD, the stressor is identifiable, and the reaction is to a specific event or trigger.
There is limited data on the prevalence of AD.
AD occurs in all cultures, but thestressorsand symptoms are influenced by cultural factors that need to be considered.
AD is also sometimes considered a transient diagnosis.
Your therapist can help you learn how to manage and overcome your symptoms.
It is also important to reach out to friends and family and ask for help when you need it.
Joining a support group can also help.
Adjustment Disorder Treatment
Treatment for AD has not been well-studied.
While AD tends to get better on its own, it can cause significant disruption while present.
Treatments such as psychotherapy (talk therapy) may help manage AD.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is the preferred treatment for AD.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)is a common choice.
These programs vary in the amount of therapist involvement.This model may make therapy accessible to more people.
Preventing Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder is not always something that can be prevented.
The best thing you’re able to do for someone with AD is offer them support.
Summary
Adjustment disorder is a common but under-researched mental health condition.
It is characterized by a disproportionate response to astressful event.
Symptoms may include anxiety, excessive worry, trouble concentrating, and feeling overwhelmed.
AD usually resolves within six months.
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