An adjustment disorder (AD) is a short-term mental disorder that does not meet the criteria for a major mental illness. Adjustment disorders are classified as “subthreshold” disorders, which are disorders that fall below the diagnostic criteria for other disorders. Despite this classification, an adjustment disorder can produce disabling – and even life-threatening – symptoms.
AD Causes and Risk factors
Adjustment disorders are caused by stressful events. A divorce, family death, economic crisis, unemployment or similar stressor can trigger adjustment disorder. Stress is, by its nature, difficult to define. A stressor may trigger depression in one person, an adjustment disorder in another, and have little effect on a third person.
Some evidence suggests people who suffer from adjustment disorders are less able than the general public to handle stressors, or that they experienced stressful or traumatic childhood events. The presence of other mental disorders, including anxiety and depressive disorders, also increases the risk of AD.
Types of Adjustment Disorders
Adjustment disorders cause a variety of emotional and behavioral symptoms in people, and are classified accordingly. The most common types of AD include:
- adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct
- adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of conduct and emotions
- adjustment disorder with anxiety
- adjustment disorder with depressed mood
- adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.
Adjustment disorder NOS (not otherwise specified) describes AD cases that do not match the classifications given above.
The length of an adjustment disorder episode is also used for classification. Acute adjustment disorder episodes last for less than six months. Chronic AD lasts for six months or more.
Symptoms of Adjustment Disorders
AD symptoms vary depending on the type of adjustment disorder. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood or anxiety may trigger symptoms such as:
- persistent sadness
- feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- loss of enjoyment
- nervousness and anxiety
- sleep disturbances
- crying
- loss of concentration.
AD with anxiety or depressed mood can also cause suicidal behavior, which needs to be monitored carefully.
Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct can result in behavioral symptoms that include reckless driving, fighting, and vandalism. AD sufferers may ignore responsibilities (Such as monthly bills and work responsibilities) and may begin to avoid family members and friends. Symptoms of AD with disturbance of conduct may start skipping school and grades may suffer.
Treating AD
Limited psychotherapy is the treatment of choice for most adjustment disorder cases. Popular choices of AD psychotherapy include cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, group therapy and crisis intervention. All forms of psychotherapy have the same goals when treating adjustment disorder: to identify the stressor that triggered AD, to teach ways to reduce the stressors effects and to help the patient cope with the stressful incident.
Antidepressants and / or anxiety medication are sometimes used to treat adjustment disorder, especially in cases where the person exhibits suicidal behavior. Both medication and therapy for adjustment disorder are usually only required for a few months.
Resources
eMedicine. (Retrieved 19 September, 2009). Adjustment Disorders
Mayo Clinic. (Retrieved 19 September, 2009). Adjustment Disorders
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
Michael McGrath - Michael McGrath began providing web content shortly after finishing his graduate degree in English at the University of Alberta. His broad ...
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