Understanding Adjustment Disorders

What are Adjustment Disorders? An Adjustment Disorder is a psychological response to a significant life stressor or transition. These stressors can be single events such as a divorce, job loss, or relocation or a series of accumulating changes that become too much to manage.

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), Adjustment Disorders are characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms that arise within three months of a stressor and cause significant distress or impairment in functioning.

Common Causes or Triggers: Adjustment Disorders can develop in response to a wide range of life changes or stressors, including:

• Divorce or relationship changes
• Job loss, layoffs, or retirement
• Serious illness or medical diagnosis
• Grief and bereavement
• Relocation or displacement
• Academic or career pressure
• Cumulative stressors (multiple, smaller stressors that add up over time)

For adolescents, triggers might include parental separation, academic failures, bullying, or social rejection. For adults, challenges often revolve around identity, stability, or role changes, such as becoming a caregiver or losing a sense of purpose after a major transition.
 

6 Types of Adjustment Disorders

Adjustment Disorders are categorized into six types based on the primary symptoms an individual experiences:

1. Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Symptoms include sadness, hopelessness, tearfulness, and a lack of pleasure in activities.
2. Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety: Characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, and difficulty concentrating.
3. Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood: A combination of depressive and anxious symptoms.
4. Adjustment Disorder with Disturbance of Conduct: Often includes behavioral issues like impulsivity, defiance, or aggression (seen more frequently in adolescents).
5. Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct: A blend of emotional distress and behavioral disruptions.
6. Adjustment Disorder Unspecified: Symptoms don’t neatly fit into the above subtypes but still cause notable distress or impairment.

 

Treatment for Adjustment Disorders

• Psychotherapy: the primary treatment. CBT, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based therapy.
• Medication: occasionally used short-term for anxiety, sleep, or depressive symptoms.
• Group Therapy: helpful for validation and shared experiences.
• Lifestyle Support: sleep, nutrition, exercise, self-regulation techniques.

 

The Amend Treatment Approach to Adjustment Disorders

At Amend Treatment, we specialize in supporting Clients during periods of emotional transition. Our residential mental health program is designed to help individuals reset, reframe, and rebuild.

1. Residential Care Designed for Emotional Reset – Our calm, structured environment offers space to process life changes away from daily stressors. It’s a setting where healing can begin with the support of experienced professionals.
2. Individualized Therapy Plans – Because no two transitions are the same, each Client receives a tailored treatment plan that addresses their emotional symptoms and life context.
3. Mind-Body Integration – We integrate somatic therapies, mindfulness, yoga, and expressive practices to support nervous system regulation and emotional resilience.
4. Psychoeducation & Life Skills – Understanding what’s happening, and why, is key to recovery. We provide tools and education to help Clients build sustainable coping strategies.
5. Family Involvement – When appropriate, we include family members in the healing process, supporting communication, reconnection, and post-treatment planning.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Adjustment Disorders

Is an Adjustment Disorder the same as depression or anxiety?

Not exactly. While symptoms can overlap, Adjustment Disorders are specifically triggered by identifiable life stressors and typically resolve when the stressor is removed or managed.

How long do Adjustment Disorders last?

Symptoms usually begin within three months of a stressor. If left untreated, they may persist and evolve into more chronic mental health conditions.

Who is most at risk?

Anyone can develop an adjustment disorder, but individuals with limited support systems or a history of mental health conditions may be more vulnerable.

When should someone seek treatment?

If emotional or behavioral symptoms are interfering with your work, relationships, or daily functioning, it’s time to seek support.
 

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Adjustment Disorders can feel overwhelming, but they are also highly treatable with the right care. Whether you’re grappling with recent changes or compounding stress, Amend Treatment provides a path toward clarity, stability, and healing. Reach out to learn more or speak with our admissions team today.

 
Admissions – (866) 726-0226
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