Adjustment Disorders

An adjustment disorder is a debilitating reaction, usually lasting
less than six months, to a stressful event or situation. The
development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an
identifiable stressor(s) occurring within 3 months of the onset of
the stressor(s).

These symptoms or behaviors are clinically significant as evidenced
by either of the following:

Distress that is in excess of what would be expected from exposure
to the stressor.

Significant impairment in social, occupational or educational
functioning.

The symptoms are not caused by Bereavement.

The stress-related disturbance does not meet the criteria for
another specific disorder. Once the stressor (or its consequences)
has terminated, the symptoms do not persist for more than an
additional 6 months.

Adjustment Disorders Subtypes:

With Depressed Mood
With Anxiety
With Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood
With Disturbance of Conduct
With Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct
Unspecified

Associated Features:

Depressed Mood
Somatic/Sexual Dysfunction
Guilt/Obsession


Cause:

Many people have difficulties adjusting to stressful events.
Stressful events include starting a new job, ending an important
relationship, or conflicts with work colleagues. As a result, the
individual may have difficulty with his or her mood and behavior
several months after the event. There are as many different
responses to stressful events as there are stressful events. Some
who have recently experienced a stressor may be more sad or
irritable than usual and feeling somewhat hopeless. Others become
more nervous and worried. And other individuals combine these two
emotional patterns. The symptoms associated with adjustment
difficulties usually subside within about 6 months after the
stressful event.

Treatment:

Counseling and Psychotherapy

The primary goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms and assist
with achieving a level of adaptation that is comparable to the
affected person's level of functioning before the stressful event.

Most mental health professionals recommend a form of psychosocial
treatment for this disorder. Treatments include individual
psychotherapy, family therapy, behavior therapy, and self-help
groups.

Pharmacotherapy

Mental health professionals generally do not use medication to treat
this disorder. When medications are used, they are usually in
addition to other forms of treatment.

Expectations:
Adjustment disorders are less severe than other disorders. People
with behavior disorders are more likely to later develop antisocial
personality disorder. People with multiple psychiatric disorders are
less likely to return to a previous level of functioning.

Complications:
Major Depression may develop if help is not obtained