Adjustment disorders are a mental health condition in which someone has an unusually strong or long-lasting reaction to an upsetting event. The symptoms of adjustment disorders can look very different from person to person. Stressors can be singular events, reoccurring events, an individual, or an entire group. Adjustment disorder is thought to affect 2 to 8% of the general population. It can affect anyone at any age. It affects twice as many females as males.
What are the possible causes of adjustment disorder?
There are many possible causes of adjustment disorders. Generally, it’s any situation you perceive as stressful and that causes significant problems in your work, social or home life. They can be both positive and negative events. Your personality, temperament, well-being, life experiences and family history are all also thought to play a role in the possible development of adjustment disorder.
Some examples include:
- Death of a family member or friend
- Relationship issues, including breakups, marital problems and divorce
- Getting married; having a baby
- Serious health issues
- School issues
- Financial difficulties
- Work issues (job loss, failing to meet goals)
- Living in a crime-ridden neighborhood
- Retiring
- Disaster or unexpected tragedy
When should I speak to a professional?
Usually, stressors are temporary, and we learn to cope with them over time. Symptoms of adjustment disorder get better because the stress has eased. But sometimes the stressful event remains a part of your life. Or a new stressful situation comes up, and you face the same emotional struggles all over again. Schedule a consultation with us if you continue to struggle or if you’re having trouble getting through each day.
