Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Adjustment Disorder, Adult
Adjustment disorder is a group of symptoms that can develop after a stressful life event, such as the loss of a job or a serious physical illness. The symptoms can affect how you feel, think, and act. They may also interfere with your relationships.
Adjustment disorder increases your risk of suicide and substance abuse. If adjustment disorder is not managed early, it can make medical conditions that you already have worse. If the stressful life event persists, the disorder may continue and become a persistent form of adjustment disorder.
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by difficulty recovering from or coping with a stressful life event.
What increases the risk?
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You have had previous problems coping with life stressors.
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You are being treated for a long-term (chronic) illness.
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You are being treated for an illness that cannot be cured (terminal illness).
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You have a family history of mental illness.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Behavioral symptoms such as:
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Trouble doing daily tasks.
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Reckless driving.
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Poor work performance.
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Ignoring bills.
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Avoiding family and friends.
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Impulsive actions.
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Emotional symptoms such as:
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Sadness, depression, or crying spells.
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Worrying a lot, or feeling nervous or anxious.
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Loss of enjoyment.
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Feelings of loss or hopelessness.
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Irritability.
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Thoughts of suicide.
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Physical symptoms such as:
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Change in appetite or weight.
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Complaining of feeling sick without being ill.
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Feeling dazed or disconnected.
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Nightmares.
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Trouble sleeping.
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Symptoms of this condition start within 3 months of the stressful event. They do not last more than 6 months, unless the stressful circumstances last longer. Normal grieving after the death of a loved one is not a symptom of this condition.
How is this diagnosed?
To diagnose this condition, your health care provider will ask about what has happened in your life and how it has affected you. He or she may also ask about your medical history and your use of medicines, alcohol, and other substances. Your health care provider may do a physical exam and order lab tests or other studies. You may be referred to a mental health specialist.
How is this treated?
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Counseling or talk therapy. Talk therapy is usually provided by mental health specialists. This therapy may be individual or may involve family members.
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Medicines. Certain medicines may help with depression, anxiety, and sleep.
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Support groups. These offer emotional support, advice, and guidance. They are made up of people who have had similar experiences.
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Observation and time. This is sometimes called watchful waiting. In this treatment, health care providers monitor your health and behavior without other treatment. Adjustment disorder sometimes gets better on its own with time.
Follow these instructions at home:
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
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Contact trusted family and friends for support. Let them know what is going on with you and how they can help.
Contact a health care provider if:
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Your symptoms do not improve in 6 months.
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Your symptoms get worse.
Get help right away if:
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You have serious thoughts about hurting yourself or someone else.
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Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
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Call a suicide crisis helpline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 988 in the U.S. This is open 24 hours a day in the U.S.
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Text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 (in the U.S.)
Summary
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Adjustment disorder is a group of symptoms that can develop after a stressful life event, such as the loss of a job or a serious physical illness. The symptoms can affect how you feel, think, and act. They may interfere with your relationships.
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Symptoms of this condition start within 3 months of the stressful event. They do not last more than 6 months, unless the stressful circumstances last longer.
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Treatment may include talk therapy, medicines, participation in a support group, or observation to see if symptoms improve.
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Contact your health care provider if your symptoms get worse or do not improve in 6 months.
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If you ever feel like you may hurt yourself or others, or have thoughts about taking your own life, get help right away.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
