Adjustment DisordersAdjustment Disorders

Dr. Paul F. Hard, LPC-S, NCC

Adjustment DisordersAdjustment Disorders

An adjustment disorder is a debilitating reaction, usually lasting less than six months, to a stressful event or situation. The development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor(s) occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor(s).

Adjustment DisordersAdjustment Disorders

These symptoms or behaviors are clinically significant as evidenced by either of the following:

Distress that is in excess of what would be expected from exposure to the stressor.

Significant impairment in social, occupational or educational functioning.

The symptoms are not caused by Bereavement. The stress-related disturbance does not meet the

criteria for another specific disorder. Once the stressor (or its consequences) has terminated, the symptoms do not persist for more than an additional 6 months.

Adjustment DisordersAdjustment Disorders

Adjustment Disorders Subtypes: With Depressed Mood With Anxiety With Mixed Anxiety & Depressed Mood With Disturbance of Conduct With Mixed Disturbance of Emotions &

Conduct Unspecified

Adjustment DisordersAdjustment Disorders

Associated Features: Depressed Mood

Somatic/Sexual DysfunctionGuilt/Obsession

Adjustment Disorders: Differential DiagnosisAdjustment Disorders: Differential Diagnosis

Some disorders display similar or sometimes even the same symptom. The clinician, therefore, in his diagnostic attempt has to differentiate against the following disorders which one needs to be ruled out to establish a precise diagnosis.

Personality Disorders;Not Otherwise Specified Disorders (e.g., Anxiety Disorder Not Otherwise Specified);Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Acute Stress Disorder;Psychological Factors Affecting Medical Condition; Bereavement;Nonpathological Reactions to Stress.

Adjustment DisordersAdjustment Disorders

Cause: Many people have difficulties adjusting to stressful events. Stressful events include starting a new job, ending an important relationship, or conflicts with work colleagues. As a result, the individual may have difficulty with his or her mood and behavior several months after the event. There are as many different responses to stressful events as there are stressful events. Some who have recently experienced a stressor may be more sad or irritable than usual and feeling somewhat hopeless. Others become more nervous and worried. And other individuals combine these two emotional patterns. The symptoms associated with adjustment difficulties usually subside within about 6 months after the stressful event.

Adjustment DisordersAdjustment Disorders

Treatment