Understanding Adjustment Disorders: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Adjustment disorders (AD) are more common than most people realize, often cropping up after significant life changes like a breakup, losing a job, or dealing with a major health issue. While these stressors are part of everyday life, they can still trigger emotional distress or behaviors that feel overwhelming and out of proportion to the situation. Unlike more severe trauma, the events that trigger AD are usually less extreme, but they can still impact our ability to function socially, at work, or in other areas of life. In fact, adjustment disorders were responsible for more healthcare visits than any other mental health condition in 2019, making them a widespread issue that deserves attention (Morgan et al., 2022).
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines the key symptoms for diagnosing AD. These include emotional or behavioral symptoms that appear within three months of a stressor and lead to significant difficulties in everyday functioning. Unlike some other mental health issues, the symptoms of AD usually resolve within six months once the stressor is gone, but for a diagnosis to be made, other conditions, such as PTSD or depression, need to be ruled out. It’s also crucial to consider the person’s circumstances, as those who are already experiencing hardships—such as financial struggles or social isolation—may be more vulnerable to developing AD (American Psychiatric Association, 2017). Understanding these nuances is important because what may seem like a small stressor to some can have a big impact on others.
When it comes to treating AD, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used and effective options. CBT helps individuals reframe negative thoughts, offering a way to find meaning and purpose even in the midst of difficult situations. By changing the way we view challenges, we can reduce their emotional weight and feel better equipped to cope. Another approach, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), focuses on accepting distressing emotions while committing to actions that align with personal values. These therapies help people process their emotions and move forward. In addition, newer programs like the SOLAR initiative—offering self-help tools in a brief, non-specialist format—are showing promise in helping people manage stress in a more accessible way (O'Donnell et al., 2019).
As research into adjustment disorders continues to grow, new ways to diagnose and treat AD are being explored. For example, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) now emphasizes how the stressor affects a person’s social functioning and causes lasting distress. This perspective highlights how crucial it is to take a holistic approach to understanding AD and supports the growing interest in refining treatment. Ultimately, the more we learn about adjustment disorders, the better we can support those going through life’s challenges, helping them cope, heal, and grow stronger from adversity.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2017). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: Dsm-5.
Morgan, M. A., Kelber, M. S., Workman, D. E., Beech, E. H., Garvey Wilson, A. L., Edwards-Stewart, A., Belsher, B. E., Evatt, D. P., Otto, J., Skopp, N. A., Bush, N. E., & Campbell, M. (2022). Adjustment disorders: A research gaps analysis. Psychological Services, 19(2), 283–293. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000517
O’Donnell, M. L., Agathos, J. A., Metcalf, O., Gibson, K., & Lau, W. (2019). Adjustment disorder: Current developments and Future Directions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(14), 2537. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142537
World Health Organization (2019). International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (11th ed). https://icd.who.int/