Adjustment disorders are excessive reactions to stress that are characterized by negative thoughts, strong emotions and changes in behavior. The conditions affect how individuals feel and think about themselves and the world around them. The common symptoms include feeling hopeless, not enjoying things you used to enjoy, crying often, irritability, trouble sleeping, suicidal ideation, difficulty concentrating, and withdrawing from family and friends who support you socially. The symptoms of this condition start within three months of a stressful event.  It can be diagnosed by talking with you to identify major life stressors, your symptoms and how they affect your ability to live life.

There are six types of adjusment disorders, including with depressed mood, with anxiety, with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, with disturbed conduct, with disturbed emotions and conduct, and one that is unspecified.

People with adjustment disorders have work problems, going away to school, an illness or life changes can cause stress. It takes a few months for people to get used to such changes. But if you have an adjustment disorder, you continue to have emotional or behavioral responses that can make you feel more anxious or depressed. Treatment can help individuals regain their emotional well-being. The main cause of adjustment disorders is experiencing  major changes or stressors in life. Genetics, life experiences and a person’s temperament may make it more likely that the condition develops.

The risk factors to developing adjustment disorders include experiencing mjor stress during childhood such as bullying or difficulties with school. Also, troubled marriage or divorce, life changes such as retirement or getting a baby can increase the risk of developing this conditions. Treatments available for adjustment disorders include talk psychotherapy and medications. The talk psychotherapy helps patients to get back to their typical routine and learn coping skills.  MLA