Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Adjustment Disorder, Pediatric
Adjustment disorder is a group of symptoms that can develop after a stressful life event, such as parents divorcing. The symptoms can affect the way your child feels, thinks, and acts. They may interfere with your child’s relationships. If the stressful circumstances continue, adjustment disorder can become persistent.
Adjustment disorder increases your child’s risk of suicide and substance abuse. If adjustment disorder is not managed early, it can make medical conditions that your child already has worse.
What are the causes?
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Parents divorcing.
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A serious illness.
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Moving to a new home or school.
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A problem with schoolwork or peers.
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Emotional trauma.
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An injury.
What increases the risk?
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Is bullied.
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Has had problems coping with stress in the past.
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Is being treated for a long-term (chronic) illness.
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Is being treated for an illness that cannot be cured (terminal illness).
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Has 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, such as going to school or helping out at home.
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A change in grades.
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Behavior problems.
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Avoiding family and friends.
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Acting out, such as by fighting.
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Skipping school.
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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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Thoughts of suicide.
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Irritability.
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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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Appearing 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 child’s health care provider will ask about what has happened in your child’s life and how it has affected your child. He or she may also ask about your child’s medical history and use of medicines and any changes in your child’s behavior. Your child’s health care provider may do a physical exam and order lab tests or other studies. Your child 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 include your child as well as other 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 child’s 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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Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
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If your child is talking about suicide, talk to your child’s mental health care provider immediately. Make sure your child does not have access to weapons or medicines.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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Your child’s symptoms do not improve in 6 months.
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Your child’s symptoms get worse.
Get help right away if:
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Your child is talking about suicide, has expressed thoughts of causing self-harm, or has threatened others.
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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 may develop after a stressful life event, such as a divorce, a serious illness, a move to a new location, or emotional trauma. The symptoms often interfere with your child’s ability to function normally.
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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 child’s health care provider if his or her symptoms get worse or do not improve in 6 months.
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If your child is talking about suicide, talk to your child’s mental health care provider immediately. Make sure your child does not have access to weapons or medicines.
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.
