BASIC INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
Excessive emotional or behavioral symptoms in
response to a stressful situation in one's life. The individual
is unable to adjust as expected to changes in life,
which in turn causes impaired functioning in daily life.
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- There must be an identifiable stressor. It may seem
minor, or even positive, such as a job promotion, or
negative, as with a small financial loss.
- The symptoms or behavior changes occur within 3
months of onset of the stressor and last no more than 6
months after the end of the stressor.
- Other psychological disorders are not present (e.g.,
major depression, anxiety disorder, personality disorder,
etc.).
- Symptoms vary from person to person (often more
severe in adolescents and the elderly) and include sleeping
problems, restlessness, irritability, loss of concentration,
fatigue, increased startle reaction, tension, depression,
anxiety, withdrawal and inhibition. There can be
feelings of fear, rage, guilt and shame, and denial of the
stressful event (acting as if it never occurred).
CAUSES
A disruption in the normal process of adapting to a
stressful event.
RISK INCREASES WITH
- The degree of undesirable change a stressor causes.
- Whether the stressor was sudden or expected.
- The unique importance of the stressor in the individual's
life.
- Lack of support systems (e.g., family, friends, religious,
cultural and social ties).
- The degree of vulnerability of the individual to stressful
life experiences.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
No specific preventive measures known.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Usually resolved by adapting to the changed situation,
or the stressor ends. Treatment can help in cases where
self-care does not alleviate the symptoms. These disorders
are common and usually temporary.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Difficulty maintaining relationships or jobs.
- Lingering problems in adolescents.
- Self-treatment using alcohol or drugs to overcome undesired
symptoms and feelings.
- Chronic anxiety and depression.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
- Self-care, psychotherapy and, in some cases, medications,
depending on severity of disorder and impact on
lifestyle.
- For family/friends---Helping the person adapt to and
cope with the event and helping foster a change to prevent
a recurrence.
- For yourself---Learning to cope with stress, keeping a
journal about your stressors and feelings, talking to a
friend, joining a support group, and taking good care of
your physical health (diet, exercise, sleep).
- Psychotherapy---Several therapy methods are effective
and are often needed for a brief period. Family therapy
(including marital counseling) may be recommended
for some.
MEDICATIONS
Since adjustment disorders are usually of short duration,
medications are normally not necessary. A medication
may be prescribed short term for insomnia or for other
specific symptoms, depending on their severity.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions. A routine physical exercise program is
recommended. Physical exertion helps reduce anxiety
and stress.
DIET
Eat a nutritionally balanced diet to maintain optimum
health.
NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IF
- You or a family member has symptoms of an adjustment
disorder.
- Symptoms continue to worsen after treatment is
started.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in
treatment may produce side effects.
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