A LOOK INTO ADJUSTMENT DISORDER

Twists and turns in life that leave you feeling stressed out are sometimes inevitable. Issues at work, transitioning to a new school, relocating, or various life changes can all induce stress. People react to these events in different ways, and most learn to manage these changes. However, if you have an adjustment disorder, your reactions might be more intense and prolonged, often lasting more than a few months.

Adjustment disorders don’t discriminate. They can affect both children and adults and are typically treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. With the right support, you can learn to manage life's stressful events and alleviate your symptoms.

So, what exactly is an adjustment disorder? Adjustment disorder is in the category of trauma- and stress-related disorders, a group of conditions for which one of the explicit criteria is exposure to a traumatic or stressful event. It involves an intense emotional response to significant and stressful life changes, like losing a job, the death of a loved one, or relationship issues. While many people can adapt to such changes within a few months, those with an adjustment disorder may have more severe and long-lasting responses. Difficulty in handling these changes can lead to physical and mental health issues, impacting daily life at work, school, and in relationships. Adjustment disorders can occur at any age and at any time in life.

There are six types of adjustment disorders, each with distinct symptoms:

1. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood: Characterized by persistent feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.

2. Adjustment disorder with anxiety: Marked by feelings of anxiety and excessive worry about the stressor, along with constant ruminating and intrusive memories. Concentration may also be affected.

3. Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood: Exhibits symptoms of both depression and anxiety.

4. Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct: Involves behaviours such as excessive spending, reckless driving, and other irrational actions.

5. Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct: Features symptoms from all types of adjustment disorders, including anxiety, depression, and behavioural problems.

6. Adjustment disorder unspecified: Presents with symptoms that do not fit into the other categories, potentially including physical symptoms, issues with family and friends, social problems, and difficulties at school or work.
   

Symptoms of adjustment disorder can vary widely, including mental signs like anxiety, impulsivity, sadness, and excessive worry. You might find yourself withdrawing from daily activities, having trouble concentrating, or losing confidence. Physically, adjustment disorder can cause fatigue, indigestion, insomnia, muscle trembling or twitching, and body pain not linked to any illness. Typically, symptoms usually pop up within three months of the triggering event and rarely stick around longer than six months after the stressor has been resolved. Some people may experience only one symptom, while others might have several.

Various events can trigger an adjustment disorder. For adults, triggers might include serious illness, divorce, job loss, financial problems, major life changes like retirement or having a baby, moving, or experiencing a traumatic event like a natural disaster or accident. For children and adolescents, common causes include a parent's divorce or separation, the birth of a sibling, the loss of a pet, and issues at school.

It's important to note that individuals react differently to life events, so a situation that leads to adjustment disorder in one person may not have the same effect on another. The way we manage stress and our ability to process and cope with challenging situations significantly influence whether we develop an adjustment disorder.

If you or someone you know is having a tough time dealing with a major life event, don’t hesitate to seek help. Start by talking to someone you trust and seeking emotional support from friends and family. Consulting with your family doctor, if you have one, can also be beneficial; they may refer you to a mental health professional who offers services either in person or online.

While you can’t always prevent an adjustment disorder, learning how to process and manage stress can enhance your ability to cope and build resilience. Effective ways to strengthen resilience include maintaining a good sense of humour, leading a healthy lifestyle, establishing a support network, and boosting self-confidence. Additionally, having a plan for unexpected events can reduce stress and improve your ability to tackle critical life changes.