Exploring Adjustment Disorder
Change is a big part of life. Some changes can be thrilling, while other changes can come with challenges. Adapting to change can be hard. Transitions can be overwhelming and disrupt the balance of everyday life for some. This occurrence can sometimes be attributed to adjustment disorder. In this blog post, I will take the time to talk about what this diagnosis is, the symptoms, how it can affect daily life, and how to navigate with coping strategies.
What is Adjustment Disorder?
Adjustment Disorder can be diagnosed when someone is having a hard time coping with a significant life change or stressor. This could be due to a move, a breakup, job loss, or a loss of a loved one. It is totally normal to feel stress and emotional during these events, but people with adjustment disorder experience more heightened and disproportionate reactions. This diagnosis is recognizable when people are struggling to continue on with their daily life and find it hard to manage simple tasks.
Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder
There are multiple symptoms of adjustment disorder. It is classified as a trauma and stressor related disorder. We often see these symptoms occur within 3 months of the stressor or event and typically resolve after 6 months. These symptoms can vary from person to person, but we mostly see significant challenges in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. Most often we see people struggling with emotional, physical, and behavioral challenges. Emotionally, individuals may experience overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or irritability. Physical symptoms might include fatigue, sleep issues, or appetite changes. Behaviorally, people may withdraw socially, struggle with concentration, or act impulsively which can make daily activities feel overwhelming.
There are six subtypes of adjustment disorder abased on the most prevalent symptoms:
With Depressed Mood: Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, or hopelessness.
With Anxiety: Excessive worry, nervousness, or feeling overwhelmed, which may include separation anxiety in children.
With Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood: A combination of depressive and anxious symptoms.
With Disturbance of Conduct: Behavioral issues, such as aggression, recklessness, or violation of societal norms.
With Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct: Emotional distress combined with behavioral problems.
Unspecified: Symptoms that cause distress but don’t fit other subtypes.
How It Affects Daily Life
Without treatment, adjustment disorder can disrupt various aspects of life. This can include work, school, relationships, and personal achievements. Sometimes people may feel unable to complete daily responsibilities, which can lead to frustration and further stress. Relationships may also suffer due to increased irritability or withdrawal. Over time, this disconnection can bring out feelings of isolation and diminish self-esteem.
Navigating Adjustment Disorder
If you’re facing adjustment disorder, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to face it alone. Therapy, particularly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), offers a great deal of help and validation. DBT combines mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills to help individuals manage intense emotions, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and regain stability. DBT can include things like mindfulness, distress tolerance techniques, and emotional regulation. All of these skills can help take you out of those overwhelming thoughts and give you the space to catch your breath.
When to Seek Help
If symptoms of adjustment disorder last for more than a few weeks or significantly interfere with your ability to function, it may be time to seek professional support. A therapist can help you process your experiences, develop tailored strategies, and provide a safe space for healing. Adjustment Disorder can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to define your life. With the right tools and support, you can adapt, heal, and thrive.