Adjustment Disorder
If you're struggling to cope with a major life change or stressful event and find yourself feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone.
Adjustment Disorder is a common response to life's challenges, but when emotional reactions become too intense or persistent, it can be difficult to manage.
Understanding how this condition affects you and knowing what treatment options are available can help you regain control and find relief.
What is Adjustment Disorder?
Adjustment Disorder is a mental health condition that occurs when someone experiences excessive emotional or behavioral responses to a significant life change or stressor.
This could include events such as a breakup, job loss, financial issues, or the death of a loved one. While everyone faces stress at some point, Adjustment Disorder happens when the stressor triggers stronger emotions or reactions that interfere with daily life.
Unlike a typical stress response, the symptoms of Adjustment Disorder go beyond what would be expected and often result in difficulty functioning in social, occupational, or other important areas of life.
DSM-5 and ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) outlines the diagnostic criteria for Adjustment Disorder as follows:
A: The development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within three months of the onset of the stressor.
B: These symptoms or behaviors are clinically significant, as evidenced by either of the following:
Marked distress that is out of proportion to the severity or intensity of the stressor.
Significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
C: The symptoms do not represent normal bereavement.
D: Once the stressor or its consequences have ended, the symptoms do not persist for more than an additional six months.
In the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition), Adjustment Disorder is classified as F43.2, with symptoms classified into three types:
F43.21: Adjustment Disorder with depressed mood
F43.22: Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety
F43.23: Adjustment Disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood
The condition is identified when stress leads to an emotional or behavioral response that is more severe than what is typically expected.
Common Symptoms
People with Adjustment Disorder may experience symptoms like:
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability or anger
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
Withdrawal from friends and family
Changes in appetite or eating habits
Difficulty at work or school due to emotional distress
These symptoms can be distressing, and when they persist for weeks or months, they may indicate the presence of Adjustment Disorder.
How Adjustment Disorder Affects Daily Life
Adjustment Disorder can impact your everyday life in many ways.
The emotional distress caused by the condition can make it difficult to focus on work or school, causing a decline in performance.
It can also affect personal relationships, as individuals may withdraw from loved ones or struggle to express their emotions.
For example, someone experiencing Adjustment Disorder after a job loss might find it difficult to get motivated to search for new employment or maintain a normal routine.
Similarly, someone going through a breakup may find it challenging to engage in social activities or concentrate on work.
In more severe cases, feelings of hopelessness or distress may lead to thoughts of self-harm, underscoring the importance of seeking help early.
Effective Treatments for Adjustment Disorder
The good news is that Adjustment Disorder is treatable, and several effective options can help individuals cope with stress and adapt to life changes.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides evidence-based guidelines for treating Adjustment Disorder, which include a combination of psychological therapies and, if necessary, medication.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Adjustment Disorder
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a cornerstone treatment for Adjustment Disorder and has been shown to help individuals understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected.
By challenging negative thought patterns and focusing on coping strategies, CBT can help individuals manage their stress responses and regain a sense of control. CBT is particularly effective in helping individuals process difficult emotions, reduce avoidance behaviors, and improve problem-solving skills.
Studies have shown that CBT is highly effective for treating Adjustment Disorder.
For instance, a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders (2017) demonstrated that individuals with Adjustment Disorder who received CBT reported significant improvements in emotional regulation, decreased anxiety, and reduced depressive symptoms compared to those who received no therapy (Cuijpers et al., 2017).
Moreover, research from the American Psychological Association found that CBT is especially effective in reducing the long-term impact of stressful life events, helping individuals adapt more effectively to life changes (Hofmann et al., 2012).
According to NICE guidelines, CBT should be the first-line psychological treatment for individuals experiencing significant emotional distress from Adjustment Disorder.
The therapy typically involves weekly sessions focused on addressing maladaptive thought patterns, building coping skills, and using techniques like relaxation exercises and behavioral activation to help individuals better manage stress (NICE, 2018).
Other Treatment Options
Therapy and Counseling: In addition to CBT, therapy can provide individuals with a safe space to process emotions and gain insights into their situation. Problem-solving therapy (PST) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are also recommended in NICE guidelines as effective treatment options for Adjustment Disorder.
Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of anxiety or depression. NICE guidelines suggest that antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications might be considered when symptoms significantly impair daily functioning. However, medication is usually considered a supplementary treatment alongside therapy.
If you're considering medication, It’s important to consult your GP or psychiatrist to find the right medication for you. They can help determine the best course of treatment based on your individual needs and circumstances.
Lifestyle Changes: NICE guidelines also recommend incorporating lifestyle interventions such as regular physical activity, mindfulness techniques, and fostering strong social connections to help individuals manage stress and build resilience.
How Shenwise Can Help
At Shenwise, we understand how challenging it can be to cope with the emotional distress caused by significant life changes.
Whether you're struggling with the aftermath of a breakup, job loss, or any other stressful event, we are here to offer support.
Our compassionate, evidence-based approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic techniques tailored to meet your unique needs.
Our goal is to help you regain control, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies during this challenging time.
We’re here to walk with you on your journey toward healing and recovery.
If you're ready to take the first step toward feeling better, reach out to us for a free 15-minute consultation.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.
Cuijpers, P., Weitz, E., Andersson, G., van Straten, A. (2017). Psychological treatment of depression and anxiety in primary care: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 210, 118–125. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.047.
Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440. doi:10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2018). Depression in adults: Treatment and management. NICE Guidelines [CG90].
World Health Organization. (2016). International classification of diseases 10th revision (ICD-10). Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.