Do I Have an Adjustment Disorder?

Everyone faces hard times, sooner or later. Whether it’s family conflict, divorce, the loss of a job or major illness, adjusting to new and difficult circumstances can be a challenge. Adjustment disorders, also called “stress response syndrome,”  involve stress, anxiety and emotional disturbances that accompany problems adapting to major life events. Right now the entire nation is experiencing a collective stress response syndrome as the  COVID-19 pandemic continues to traumatically remake the face of daily life. Common causes of an adjustment disorder include:

• Death of a loved one

• Relationship problems

• Divorce

• Relocation

• Work problems

• Loss of employment

• Major illness

• Money problems

• Sexuality

• Gender identity

Adjustment disorders due to a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation tend to arise from long-established conflicts involving a person’s self-concept. Although

most adjustment disorders are short-term

, adjustment disorders arising from issues of sexuality or gender can last for years. Symptoms of adjustment disorder are often severe and life-disrupting. They include:

• Feelings of deep sadness

• Anxiety

• Stomach aches

• Restlessness

• Repetitive thoughts

• Feeling trapped, hopeless

• Heart flutters

• Crying spells

Adjustment disorders are more intense than regular anxiety or sadness and don’t go away on their own, but they rarely require long-term treatment with psychiatric medication. However, an adjustment disorder can turn into a depressive episode, so getting into therapy is imperative. Psychotherapy is the preferred method of treating adjustment disorders. Therapy teaches a person better coping skills and helps to untangle the often powerful and conflicting emotions common to anxiety disorders. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to treat adjustment disorders. A therapist can help you understand how your thoughts and feelings about your situation can harm your ability to adapt. Therapy teaches a person to be aware of how their thoughts, values and perceptions can get in the way of dealing with a situation in a positive manner. Adjustment disorders tend to last less than a year, as long as the stressor goes away. In situations where the stress is ongoing, therapy can be a lifesaver. Long-term stress can lead to chronic anxiety and depression. During this uncertain and distressing time, Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.       https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/11311000-000000000-00000