Understanding and Treating Adjustment Disorders
An adjustment disorder is a combination of severe symptoms that emerge as a response to trauma or stress. Contrary to popular belief, this type of disorder can be triggered by positive and negative events alike. Typically, the disorder is characterised by short-term markers that alter and affect one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, making them seem unpredictable. Adjustment disorder treatment usually consists of therapy, although appropriate medications may also be prescribed.
What is an Adjustment Disorder
This type of disorder, often referred to by healthcare professionals as situational depression, is an intense emotional or behavioural response to a traumatic or stressful event. Generally, it causes an individual to have more severe reactions than usual. For example, the patient might cry or get distressed more easily or engage in risky or impulsive behaviours.
The type of reaction generally varies from person to person. Some might start showing symptoms after a singular stressful event, while others may only begin behaving differently after a series of traumatic occurrences. In both instances, the symptoms subside after approximately six months.
Types of adjustment disorder
Currently, specialists identify multiple distinct types of adjustment disorders. Their associated markers include:
- Adjustment disorder with anxiety
This can often manifest through feelings of anxiety, being overwhelmed, and consistent worry, alongside difficulties in concentration. Notably, in children, separation anxiety is often observed. - Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
Characterised by feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Individuals find themselves crying regularly and struggle with finding joy in hobbies that used to fulfil them. - Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood
This is when individuals simultaneously have feelings of anxiety and depression. - Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct
This mixed condition is when individuals become recklessness, impulsiveness, rebelliousness, or destructive. - Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct
When individuals display physiological symptoms, including heart palpitations, insomnia, headaches, stomach aches, or body aches.
How common are adjustment disorders
Due to a lack of comprehensive studies, it is challenging to ascertain how widespread adjustment disorders are. According to a primary care-focused study, between 11% and 18% of the world’s population has been affected by an adjustment disorder. However, it is important to note that statistics on this type of disorder often vary based on the particular groups surveyed, meaning that it is difficult to uncover accurate data.
Signs and Symptoms of Adjustment Disorders
Regardless of the type, an adjustment disorder typically affects an individual’s emotions, behaviour, and physical condition. While adjustment disorders manifest differently in each patient, the following symptoms appear as a general rule:
- Anxiety (nervousness, trembling)
- Depression (extreme sadness, low energy levels, hopelessness)
- Difficulties concentrating
- Tiredness
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Impulsiveness and recklessness
- Soreness and various types of body aches
- Agitation
- Heart palpitations or arrhythmias
Due to the severity of these symptoms, some individuals also experience thoughts of self-harm or contemplate suicide. Should you ever feel the same, please seek assistance from a professional healthcare provider or get in touch with The National Suicide Prevention Helpline, reachable every day from 6 pm to midnight. Alternatively, you can contact the Samaritans via a free call at 116 123 and receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are
tiny matters compared to what lies within us
What Causes Adjustment Disorders?
Adjustment disorders are caused by particular stressors, which result in physical and emotional reactions in patients. Common examples may include:
- Bereavement
- Retirement
- Marriage
- The birth of a child
- Relationship changes (breakups, marital issues, divorce)
- Receiving a certain medical diagnosis (cancer, chronic illnesses)
- Financial problems
- Issues at school, university, or work
- Environmental disasters
- Neglecting one’s physical or emotional needs
Although many stressors are traumatic and negative, some simply cause stress because they lead to a significant positive change in one’s life. In many cases, adjustment disorders arise when individuals are unable to address their emotional needs during stressful events or periods, often due to lack of resources or time.
What Are the Triggers for Adjustment Disorders?
Any person or event that reminds an individual of a stressful or traumatic occurrence can be considered a trigger. Typically, triggers cause an intense flashback that produces a strong feeling of anxiety.
Some of the most prevalent adjustment disorder triggers include:
- Finding a photo or a beloved keepsake
- Tasting or smelling food
- Feeling the texture of a piece of clothing
- Hearing a familiar song
In other words, triggers are unique to the individual who experiences them. Therefore, this list is nowhere near exhaustive. In addition, different triggers cause symptoms that vary in intensity based on the significance they hold to the patient.
What are the Complications of Adjustment Disorders?
Most adjustment disorder complications are life-threatening, including:
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and suicide
- Alcoholism
How are Adjustment Disorders Treated?
As a general rule, adjustment disorder symptoms seldom last longer than six months. Thus, treatment is often based on establishing manageable short-term goals the patient can strive toward. Additionally, experts recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), group therapy, and family therapy. Depending on the patient’s needs, any of these methods can help them understand their symptoms and equip them with the tools necessary for coping with them.
In the cases where symptoms do not subside within the aforementioned timeframe, the disorder can be considered chronic. If not adequately treated by a medical health professional, chronic adjustment disorder may lead to more severe long-term conditions, including anxiety disorders and depression.
Seeking professional assistance is a pivotal step toward a return to normalcy and a positive outlook on life. Confiding in an expert may help you gain a deeper understanding of your symptoms and their causes. Moreover, it can ensure that any co-occurring symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, are more manageable.
Self-Help Tips for Adjustment Disorders
The stressors that cause adjustment disorders are often sudden, unpredictable, and unpreventable. However, you do have some control over how you react to them and how they affect you.
Here are some steps you can take to ensure coping with change is easier:
- Practice self-care
Make sure you indulge in activities that make you feel at peace when you are stressed or are having a bad mental health day; these can include anything from taking hot baths and reading to journaling and working out.
- Build a solid support system
Try to maintain open communication with your loved ones, especially at times when you are struggling; by doing so, you will ensure that they know when and how to best support you in order to help you feel better.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
A healthy diet and regular exercise can do wonders for your physical and mental health alike; in case you do not know how to make significant lifestyle changes, talking to a healthcare provider, nutritionist, or personal trainer is an excellent place to begin.
FREE Adjustment Disorder Assessment
If your or a loved one are struggling with adjustment disorder, we understand the challenges you’re facing and we’re here to offer compassionate help.
Our highly trained advisers are available to speak to you right away, simply call 0808 252 3379 today.
We can discuss your concerns in complete confidence, explore the options for treatment, and help you to understand what will work best for you.
We’ll also help you to book your free adjustment disorder assessment there and then, with appointments usually available within only a few days.
We understand that taking the first step can be the most difficult, but we’re here to support – with no pressure or judgement.
Professional and compassionate help is just a phone call or click away.
