Adjustment disorders impact between 3 and 10% of people in regular health settings. Despite their prevalence, adjustment disorders often go undiagnosed. Understanding more about the condition can increase awareness, improve treatment, and reduce the stigma many people with adjustment disorders feel.
What Are Adjustment Disorders?
An adjustment disorder is a mental health condition triggered by high levels of stress. People may develop an adjustment disorder after any major, stressful life event such as the death of a loved one, parents separating, job loss, or moving house. Most people adjust to life after these stressful events within a few months. People with adjustment disorders struggle to move on from these events.
People with adjustment disorders may have more extreme reactions to stressful events or struggle with the after-effects for longer. People with acute adjustment disorders may experience symptoms for up to six months. When symptoms persist beyond six months, the adjustment disorder is classified as persistent or chronic.
Who Can Be Impacted by Adjustment Disorders?
Anyone may struggle with an adjustment disorder. Children and adults can both develop an adjustment disorder, although the condition is most common in children and adolescents. This mental health condition can also impact people of any gender, although adult women are twice as likely as adult men to develop an adjustment disorder.
What Are the Symptoms of Adjustment Disorders?
People with adjustment disorders usually develop symptoms within three months of experiencing a stressful event. Adjustment disorders tend to manifest differently in children and adults. Adults with adjustment disorders may become depressed or anxious. Children with adjustment disorders are less likely to suffer from depression or become anxious and more likely to act out with disruptive behaviors. While they may behave in different ways, children and adults with adjustment disorders may both struggle to have positive relationships or be productive at home, school, or work.
How Are Adjustment Disorders Diagnosed?
Adjustment disorders are typically diagnosed by psychiatrists and other mental health professionals. These professionals make their diagnosis after interviewing clients and giving them a full psychiatric evaluation. During this process they learn about the client’s development, feelings, and recent events that may trigger an adjustment disorder.
What Are the Treatment Options for Adjustment Disorders?
Effective treatment for adjustment disorders often involves a mix of counseling and drug therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the main treatment for adjustment disorders. Therapists discuss the condition and its impact with their client. Together they can formulate effective coping strategies to aid the client’s recovery. Therapists may speak with clients one-on-one or involve family members or peers in group therapy sessions.
Drug therapy can also reduce the symptoms of adjustment disorders for some people. Doctors may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs to people in treatment for adjustment disorders. These medications are short-term solutions used only until people recover from their adjustment disorders.
Adjustment disorders are common mental health conditions impacting as many as one in five people seeking outpatient mental health services. While they can be debilitating if left undiagnosed, effective treatment options can help people with adjustment disorders greatly improve their quality of life. If you or someone you love is struggling with adjustment disorders, contact the friendly team from Horizon Counseling Services.
