Adjustment disorder, or stress response syndrome, is a short-term condition that occurs when a person has great difficulty coping with, or adjusting to, a particular source of stress, such as a major life change, loss, or event.
Because people with an adjustment disorder/stress response syndrome often have some of the symptoms of clinical depression, such as tearfulness, feelings of hopelessness, and loss of interest in work or activities, adjustment disorder is sometimes informally called "situational depression." Unlike major depression, however, an adjustment disorder doesn't involve as many of the physical and emotional symptoms of clinical depression (such as changes in sleep, appetite and energy) or high levels of severity (such as suicidal thinking or behavior).
The type of stress that can trigger an adjustment disorder/stress response syndrome varies depending on the person, but can include:
- Ending of a relationship or marriage
- Losing or changing jobs
- Death of a loved one
- Developing a serious illness (yourself or a loved one)
- Being a victim of a crime
- Having an accident
- Undergoing a major life change (such as getting married, having a baby, or retiring from a job)
- Living through a disaster, such as a fire, flood, or hurricane
Symptoms of adjustment disorders are responses to the stressful or life changing event and occur within three months of the event. Symptoms may be emotional, physical, or behavioral, and may include:
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness and tearfulness
- Nervousness and worry
- Combined symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety
- Behavioral problems such as fighting, reckless driving, destruction of property, non-attendance at school/work, breaking the law
- Other symptoms such as physical complaints (body aches and pains), isolation from friends/family, and poor performance at work/school
Most stressful events and their effects occur at one time. For example, a hurricane results in damage to a home, or a car accident results in broken bones. In these situations, it is likely that the symptoms from the stressful event will go away within six months.
At times, though, the effects of a stressful event may last longer. Not finding a job for a year after a layoff is an example of a persistent stressful situation. In these cases, symptoms may last longer than six months.
Treatment for Adjustment Disorders
Treatment for adjustment disorders includes taking steps to reduce symptoms, and helping you cope with your daily routines. Immediately following the stressful event, crisis intervention may be useful. Crisis intervention, provided by a health care practitioner, helps people cope with the initial shock of the event in a safe environment.
Once the initial shock has passed, psychotherapy usually follows. This helps the person understand the stressful event, talk about concerns related to the event, and learn coping skills and problem solving. Psychotherapy for adjustment disorders may take place with the individual, the entire family, or a group of people who have undergone similar experiences. At times, medication may be prescribed to help with symptoms of depression or anxiety.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have experienced a stressful event, and begin to notice that any of the following are interfering with your daily activities, it is time to obtain a health evaluation:
- Feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to cope
- Sleep problems
- Use of alcohol or drugs to numb uncomfortable feelings
- Feelings of jitteriness or nervousness
- Intense anger
- Feelings of losing control
- Avoiding family and friends
- Problems concentrating
When talking with a health care professional, be ready to talk about:
- All your emotional symptoms - mood changes, sadness, disinterest in things you used to enjoy, etc.
- All your physical symptoms - pain, aches, digestive problems, appetite changes, etc.
- All medications you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, caffeine and alcohol
- Your family's health history
- How long you have been feeling the effects of stress
While adjustment disorders may not last a long time, symptoms may be severe. If left untreated, symptoms of adjustment disorders may lead to serious problems in work, home, school or social situations.
Most people with adjustment disorders recover within six months of the stressful event. If you are receiving treatment for an adjustment disorder and your symptoms last for more than six months, it is important to see your health care professional for a re-evaluation of your diagnosis and treatment.
Through the help and support of a health care professional, you can learn to successfully manage your stress and prevent future episodes of emotional problems.
Your program is here to help you along the journey of life. No situation is too big or too small. When you and your family members need assistance, reach out anytime and we will help get you on the right path to meet your needs.
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