Adjustment disorder is an excessive, prolonged reaction to a stressful event or situation. The stressor could be a single one or a combination of stressors affecting one single person or a group of individuals. This reaction seriously impairs social and occupational functioning.
There are several subtypes of the disorder, including adjustment disorder with:
Adjustment disorders develop in reaction to stressful life events or major life changes. Some common stressors are:
In some cases, ongoing problems (such as living in an unsafe, crime-ridden neighborhood) may cause the development of an adjustment disorder over a longer period of time.
Certain individuals may have a predisposition or vulnerability that can play a part in the risk of occurrence and how the disorder presents. Individuals susceptibility can be affected by factors such as:
People who face certain stressors like medical problems or living in challenging environments may be at increased risk. In these populations, adjustment disorder has been diagnosed in up to 50% of the people.
The stressor itself may also interfere with an individual’s support network.
Certain early-childhood family history factors seem to contribute to the chance that an individual may suffer from an adjustment disorder in the future. These include:
Individuals who are at higher risk for adjustment disorders also often have other conditions, such as a history of anxiety , depression , bipolar disorder , or eating disorders .
Adjustment Disorder symptoms are expected to disappear within 6 months after the causing stressor and/or its consequences have been removed. In the case of chronic adjustment disorder, the symptoms may linger beyond the six-month mark and in general they are related to ongoing persistent stressors like a chronic medical disability or enduring existential conditions.
Symptoms may vary, but are similar in that the reaction is worse or more excessive than expected to the stressor. In order for a diagnosis of adjustment disorder to be made, symptoms must interfere with an individual’s social or work functioning.
Symptoms include:
Your doctor will perform an evaluation to assess whether your symptoms follow a recent stressful event, and if the symptoms are more severe than what is normal for you. You will also be evaluated to make sure there is no underlying disorders or disease, such as depression, an anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.
The main goal of treatment is to resolve symptoms, and return the individual to his or her normal level of functioning. Treatment is important so that the disorder doesn’t become a larger illness, like major depression. Treatment options include the following:
Psychotherapy, or counseling, is the primary treatment for adjustment disorders. Therapy is used to help individuals understand why the stressful event caused the symptoms, and to develop coping mechanisms for future stressors. Therapy is generally short-term and can take any of the following forms: individual therapy, family therapy, behavior therapy, or group therapy.
Medications may be used in combination with therapy to alleviate common symptoms. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed on a short-term basis until the symptoms resolve.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
US Department of Health and Human Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
http://www.mentalhealth.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Psychiatric Association
http://www.cpa-apc.org
Mental Health at Work
http://cgsst.fsa.ulaval.ca/sante/eng/default.asp
References:
Adjustment disorder. Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine website. Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/ency/article/000932.htm . Accessed July 4, 2005.
Adjustment disorders. PsychNet-UK website. Available at: http://www.psychnet-uk.com/dsm_iv/adjustment_disorder.htm . Accessed July 4, 2005.
Casey P. Adult adjustment disorder: a review of its current diagnostic status. Journal of Psychiatric Practice . 2001;7: 32-40.
Mental and behavioural disorders. International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Chapter V. World Health Organization website. Available at: http://www3.who.int/icd/vol1htm2003/gf40.htm. Accessed July 6, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Theodor B. Rais, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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