Adjustment Disorders

Adjustment Disorders are conditions with clinically significant emotional or behavioral symptoms which are in response to identifiable psychosocial stress. Examples could include the ending of a romantic relationship, going off to school, retirement, becoming a parent, financial difficulties, or marital problems. The stressor can recur periodically or be continuous. These include seasonal business downturns or living in a high crime area. The stressor might effect only one individual, a particular family, or an entire community as with a natural disaster.

The symptoms of Adjustment Disorders develop within 3 months of the onset of the stress. The reaction is characterized by distress in excess of that that would be expected given the nature of the stressor, or by significant impairment in social or occupational functioning.

The use of the diagnosis Adjustment Disorder is generally reserved for conditions lasting less than six months from the onset of the stress; however if the stressor or its consequences are enduring the diagnosis is used for longer periods.

Adjustment Disorders are subdivided into six subtypes according to the symptoms displayed.

• Adjustment Disorder With Depressed Mood - - includes feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or crying a lot.

• Adjustment Disorder With Anxiety - - includes feelings nervousness, worrying, or experiencing jitteriness.

• Adjustment Disorder With Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood - - includes feelings of hopelessness, nervousness or feeling sad, worrying or crying a lot or experiencing jitteriness.

• Adjustment Disorder With Disturbance of Conduct - - people with this type of adjustment disorder do not adhere to societal norms and rules. They may violate the rights of others with truancy, vandalism, reckless driving, fighting, or other endangering acts.

• Adjustment Disorder With Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct - - this category includes people with some emotional symptoms (e.g. anxiety or depression) and disturbance of conduct symptoms.

• Adjustment Disorder, Unspecified - - this category includes other reactions such as withdrawal, inhibition, or physical manifestations such as stomach aches or headaches.

Adjustment Disorders lasting less than six months are classified as acute. The diagnosis of Chronic Adjustment Disorder is made if symptoms last longer than six months in response to a chronic stressor or one that has enduring consequences.

 

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