What is Adjustment Disorders?
An adjustment disorder is a stress-related condition that manifests itself as massive anxiety, depression, or manic behavior. The best way to understand this type of disorder is to think about how someone would react to a stressful life event like getting fired from a job. Some people would be angry or depressed for a little while and bounce back after a short grieving process. However, those with adjustment disorders can’t cope with the event and will often spiral to the point of not being able to adjust to life after the event. This often means that the individual will fall into severe depression or anxiety. Some may even act out in extremely negative ways. Regardless of how the adjustment disorder presents itself in an individual, it’s a debilitating disorder that can prevent these individuals from performing day-to-day tasks.
The cause of adjustment disorders are often pretty easy to identify since it’s often triggered by a traumatic event. Some causes include the death of a loved one, losing a job, relationship problems or divorce, health issues, sudden changes to one’s environment, natural disasters, financial stress, being in an accident, or being a victim to a crime. While big life events can cause adjustment disorders, small events may also trigger this disorder. On rare occasions, individuals may not be able to identify what’s causing their symptoms. However, it’s still important that individuals suffering from symptoms are honest with their doctor about what’s causing the symptoms, or what events have happened since experiencing the symptoms, so that the cause can be properly identified and dealt with.
Symptoms of Adjustment Disorders
Symptoms vary depending on the type of adjustment disorder. Common symptoms include:
- depression
- anxiety
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite or overeating
- difficulty concentrating
- panic attacks
- impulsive behavior
- destructive behavior
- substance abuse
- thoughts of suicide
- fatigue
- constant isolation
- headaches
- stomachaches
Keep in mind that doctors will look for severe versions of these symptoms. They will also try to rule out that these symptoms are in relation to another condition so that they can isolate it to an adjustment disorder.
Types of Adjustment Disorders
There are six known types of adjustment disorders:
- Adjustment disorder with anxiety: this type goes beyond a typical anxiety disorder. Individuals often exhibit extreme nervousness and worry. They’re very overwhelmed and often have trouble concentrating or recalling certain things.
- Adjustment disorder with depressed mood: individuals with this type often experience extreme sadness and hopelessness. They cry often and experience a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
- Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct: individuals exhibit behavioral issues with this type. This can manifest itself as individuals getting into fights often or driving recklessly. Some may vandalize property or start missing work days.
- Adjustment disorder mixed with anxiety and depressed mood: individuals with this type exhibit both anxiety and depression.
- Adjustment disorder mixed with disturbance of conduct and emotions: individuals with this type have behavioral issues as well as anxiety and depression.
- Unspecified adjustment disorder: individuals with this type may not exhibit the symptoms of the other five, but may experience physical issues, issues with friends and family, or issues with work.
The way that doctors diagnose a specific type of adjustment disorder is by using the criteria found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) that is published by the American Psychiatric Association. The criteria states that the individual must exhibit the following:
- The emotional or behavioral symptoms must show up within three months of the stressful event.
- The individual must be experiencing more stress than would be expected in response to a stressful event and/or the stress must be causing significant problems in relationships or at work.
- Symptoms must not be a result of another mental illness or part of the normal grieving process.
If an individual matches the criteria above, doctors will diagnose the symptoms as part of an adjustment disorder.
Treatment for Adjustment Disorders
The main treatment for those suffering from this disorder is talk therapy. This can be accomplished through a private session, a group session, or a session with family. Since this disorder is triggered by life changes or stressful events, it’s best to identify what’s causing the symptoms of the disorder and help the individual with stress management. However, this might not solely be the answer and medical professionals may accompany talk therapy with medication. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may help ease the symptoms enough for the individual to work through talk therapy. Having a good support system is very important for individuals suffering from this disorder. Since the event may occur more than once, having people around the individual who knows how to recognize the symptoms after they’ve been triggered can help them get the help they need sooner rather than later.
Once the symptoms are manageable, doctors may advise individuals to make some lifestyle changes. These may include:
- Doing one thing everyday that brings enjoyment, fulfillment, and/or a sense of purpose.
- Sleeping and eating well
- Exercising
- Journaling
- Working on building up self-esteem
It is possible for individuals to work through this disorder, but it’s a tough road. Another event may trigger another episode, or the same event may trigger another episode, and the individual may have to work through the event all over again. This disorder can be debilitating, but having a strong support system and financial help during the episodes can help ease some of the burden.
