Adjustment Disorder

About this topic

An adjustment disorder is a mental health problem that happens because of some kind of stress in your life. With this problem, you are not able to cope with how your world has changed. It can impact important parts of your life, such as work or relationships. You may feel anxious or have a low mood. Some people act out and may steal, fight, skip school, or drive dangerously. � �

What are the causes?

The main cause of this mental health problem is some kind of stress in your life that is very hard for you to cope with. Some events that trigger this problem involve people we care about and include divorce, a death, or break up of a relationship. Sometimes other crises like a serious illness or a fire in your home triggers this disorder. � �

What can make this more likely to happen?

You are more likely to have an adjustment disorder problem if you are under a lot of stress. Some things that may cause you to have a lot of stress are living in a high crime area, being around people who fight all the time, or having money problems. � �

What are the main signs?

Signs of adjustment disorder often happen within 3 months of a stressful event and can last up to 6 months. Signs may include: � �

Low mood and feel like there is no hope
Crying spells
Worry and fear
Problems sleeping
Not able to think clearly
Feeling overwhelmed
Changes in appetite
Nervousness
Reckless behavior
Thoughts of suicide

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?

Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will talk with you about recent events in your life. Be sure to share the signs you are having. Tell your doctor how they are affecting you each day. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or use any street drugs like cocaine, meth, or heroin. These substances can increase stress and make it more difficult to cope. Tell your doctor if you are having any thoughts of hurting yourself. � �

How does the doctor treat this health problem?

Your doctor may send you to a mental health expert. This is someone like a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will help you to understand how the stress in your life is causing your signs and feelings. Your doctor may also suggest you go to a support group to learn how others have started to deal with the kind of stress like yours. � �

What lifestyle changes are needed?

Lower your caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can cause anxiety. It may also interfere with sleep.
Get lots of rest. Sleep is important for good mental health.
Consider working with a mental health professional if anxiety or stress continues to cause problems in your daily life.
Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) or street drugs.
Exercise often and eat healthy.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: � �

Ease low mood
Help with worry
Help you sleep

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

It is important to have good support during stressful times. Find coping skills that work for you during these times of high stress. � �

Helpful tips

Here are some tips that may help you learn to cope with the stress in your life. � �

Take charge of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Recognize that you are in control of your own life and you can decide how you think and feel about something or someone.
Try to understand the source of your stress. How are your thoughts and actions affecting your situation? Are you telling yourself, "I am so overwhelmed at work! " � Try saying to yourself, "My job is very busy right now. I know it will get better when this project is over. " �
Use healthy ways to cope with stress. Try exercising or taking a break and doing something fun with your family or a friend. Unhealthy ways to cope are things like drinking too much or smoking, ignoring the problem, or taking out your stress on other people.
Learn how to say no. Don 't take on more than you can handle. Do not try to do everything. Decide between what you "must do " � and what is just "nice to do. " �
Take control of your environment. Try to find ways to help lower your stress level. If driving in traffic is a big source of stress, go to work a bit earlier or later to avoid the traffic. Limit the time you have to spend around people who add stress to your life.
Recognize there will be things you cannot change or control. You can decide how you feel about it though. Focus on what you can change. You may not be able to change how your boss treats you, but you can look for a new job.
Give yourself permission to just rest. Take a few things off of your to do list and schedule in time to relax. Is it relaxing to take a nap? Read a book? Go for a walk? Sit and meditate? Slow down and breathe? Take a few minutes each day to do one of these things.
Talk to your family or friends. Share your thoughts and feelings with someone who can help you work through problems. You may learn a new way to cope or see a different view point when you talk with others.
Write down your thoughts. Sometimes, just the act of writing down what is worrying you is enough to help you let it go. Then, your mind is free to think of other things. This may be especially true before you go to sleep.
Decide how important the issue really is. Ask yourself if this will matter in a week or a month. Will it still matter in a few years? This can help you decide how much time and energy to spend on it.
Make time for a hobby or activity that you have wanted to do for a long time.

Where can I learn more?

American Psychological Association � �
http://effectivechildtherapy.com/content/adjustment-disorder � �
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/Make the Connection � �
http://maketheconnection.net/conditions/adjustment-disorder � �

Last Reviewed Date

2015-12-18 � �

List_set bdysylist

Central Nervous System
Mental Health

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �

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