The signs, symptoms, and effects of adjustment disorder can be different for every person impacted. Learning about adjustment disorder is one of the first steps towards getting better.
Learn More About Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by the development of emotional and behavioral disturbances that stem from experiencing one or more stressors. The symptoms that occur as part of this condition are significant and can include work impairment, troubles within social circles, and problems with everyday functioning. Additionally, the symptoms that develop can show a clear level of pain within the individual that is not proportionate to the severity of the stressor itself.
There are many varieties of occurrences that can lead to the development of adjustment disorder, and the pain that is suffered in response will vary from person to person. In some cases, the symptoms will begin showing themselves right after the stressor has occurred; however, in other cases, these symptoms might not develop up until as long as three months post-stressor. Thankfully, the symptoms associated with adjustment disorder will often dissipate after six months, except in those cases where individuals are constantly being exposed to ongoing stressors. Receiving treatment for adjustment disorder to manage the concerns that develop is imperative to help prevent the length of the symptoms and to supply individuals with the relief they need.
Statistics
Adjustment disorder is said to be extremely common in people of all ages. According to the American Psychiatric Association, within inpatient hospital settings, it is typically the most diagnosed disorder, reaching up to 50%.
Causes and Risk Factors for Adjustment Disorder
The development of adjustment disorder occurs when an individual has experienced an environmental stressor, or more than one stressor, that caused him or her to respond with painful emotional or behavioral symptoms. Those who have disadvantaged life circumstances or who are constantly being exposed to chronically stressful situations are at the most increased risk for developing this disorder.
Risk Factors:
Adjustment disorder can develop because of a handful of different circumstances and may be a product of one stressor or continued stressors. Some of the many events known to trigger the onset of adjustment disorder symptoms can include the following:
- Living in a neighborhood that has a high rate of crime or violence
- Business difficulties
- Retirement
- Experiencing a natural disaster
- Suffering from a chronic and/or painful illness
- Leaving or reentering a parental home
- Significant problems in school
- Changes in school
- Termination of a romantic relationship
- Marital difficulties
- Loss of a parent or other loved one
- Getting married
- Becoming a parent
- Failing to attain occupational goals
Signs and Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder
The kinds of symptoms that one displays when adjustment disorder is present will vary from person to person, depending on many different factors. These factors can include one’s age, the support he or she is receiving from his or her loved ones, and the specific circumstances surrounding the event that led to the onset of the disorder itself. Some of these symptoms include:
Behavioral symptoms:
- Failure to attend work or school
- Drop in performance at work or school
- Isolating oneself from friends and family members
- Onset of self-harming behaviors
- Making attempts at suicide
- Aggressive outbursts
- Tearfulness
- No longer adhering to daily responsibilities
- No longer participating in activities that were once enjoyed
Physical symptoms:
- Muscle tension
- Persistent headaches
- Changes in eating patterns
- Sleep disturbances
- Chest pains
- Other bodily aches and pains
Cognitive symptoms:
- Experiencing difficulty concentrating
- Suffering from an inability to use sound judgment and reasoning
- Struggling to make good decisions
- Experiencing memory disturbances
Psychosocial symptoms:
- Anxious feelings
- Feelings of nervousness
- Emotional instability
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Depressed feelings
- Excessive feelings of worry, concern, or dread
Effects of Adjustment Disorder
Because of the nature of adjustment disorder, the symptoms that impact those who grapple with this mental illness tend not to last longer than six months following the occurrence of the event. However, in cases where individuals are exposed to continued stressors, the symptoms might continue for longer periods of time. Some of the many effects that can develop in response to the presence of adjustment disorder when treatment is not received can include the following:
- Disturbed interpersonal relationships
- Onset of symptoms of other mental health disorders
- Decreased performance at work or school
- Decline in social interactions
- Beginning to abuse drugs or alcohol
- Suicidal thoughts
- Suicidal behaviors
- Persistent, unpredictable mood swings
Co-Occurring Disorders
Unfortunately, adjustment disorder is a condition that can occur at the same time as other mental health problems, including the following:
- Panic disorder
- Depressive disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Specific phobia
Statistics
Adjustment disorder is said to be extremely common in people of all ages. According to the American Psychiatric Association, within inpatient hospital settings, it is typically the most diagnosed disorder, reaching up to 50%.
Causes and Risk Factors for Adjustment Disorder
The development of adjustment disorder occurs when an individual has experienced an environmental stressor, or more than one stressor, that caused him or her to respond with painful emotional or behavioral symptoms. Those who have disadvantaged life circumstances or who are constantly being exposed to chronically stressful situations are at the most increased risk for developing this disorder.
Risk Factors:
Adjustment disorder can develop because of a handful of different circumstances and may be a product of one stressor or continued stressors. Some of the many events known to trigger the onset of adjustment disorder symptoms can include the following:
- Living in a neighborhood that has a high rate of crime or violence
- Business difficulties
- Retirement
- Experiencing a natural disaster
- Suffering from a chronic and/or painful illness
- Leaving or reentering a parental home
- Significant problems in school
- Changes in school
- Termination of a romantic relationship
- Marital difficulties
- Loss of a parent or other loved one
- Getting married
- Becoming a parent
- Failing to attain occupational goals
Effects of Adjustment Disorder
Because of the nature of adjustment disorder, the symptoms that impact those who grapple with this mental illness tend not to last longer than six months following the occurrence of the event. However, in cases where individuals are exposed to continued stressors, the symptoms might continue for longer periods of time. Some of the many effects that can develop in response to the presence of adjustment disorder when treatment is not received can include the following:
- Disturbed interpersonal relationships
- Onset of symptoms of other mental health disorders
- Decreased performance at work or school
- Decline in social interactions
- Beginning to abuse drugs or alcohol
- Suicidal thoughts
- Suicidal behaviors
- Persistent, unpredictable mood swings
Co-Occurring Disorders
Unfortunately, adjustment disorder is a condition that can occur at the same time as other mental health problems, including the following:
- Panic disorder
- Depressive disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Specific phobia
