Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder occurs when difficulty coping with a specific stressor exceeds what would be expected for the situation.
Symptoms
Sadness, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, difficulty functioning, withdrawal, and trouble sleeping. Onset within three months of the stressor.
Causes and risk
Any significant life change. Limited social support or prior mental health conditions increase risk.
How it is evaluated
Review of the stressor, symptom timeline, functioning, and ensuring symptoms do not meet criteria for another condition.
Treatment
Short-term therapy, stress management techniques, social support, and medication for prominent anxiety or insomnia when needed.