Adjustment Disorder

What is it?

An adjustment disorder can happen following a life event, such as…

• divorce
• bereavement
• illness
• work stress

When these ‘stressors’ occur it is normal to go through a period of adjustment. Most of the time people adjust to these changes within a few months. For some people it can cause on-going distress and begin to cause emotional and behavioural disturbances.

Adjustment disorder is a short-term disorder that can be diagnosed if symptoms occur within 3 months of an identifiable stressor. It rarely last more than 6 months. However, it can lead to more significant mood and behavioural changes if not addressed.

What are the symptoms?

Adjustment disorder can have a wide variety of symptoms, which may include…

• Feelings of hopelessness
• Sadness
• Worry/anxiety
• Withdrawal/social isolation from people and social activities
• Change in appetite; either loss of appetite or over eating
• Problems sleeping
• Feeling tired and having no energy
• Increase in the use of alcohol or drugs to manage symptoms
• Headaches or stomach aches 

Typically the symptoms are changes from someone’s ‘usual’ self as a result of struggling to adjust.

What therapies that can help?

• Counselling
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Mindfulness

If you think you could use some help adjusting to life changes, we offer the above therapies. In addition, we also offer a free 15 minute private and confidential telephone consultation where you can chat over what you are experiencing and ways we might be able to help.

Related issues

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Coping with grief and loss

Useful links

Cruse Bereavement Care