An adjustment disorder is a psychological condition in which a person experiences emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a stressful event.
They are often caused by factors such as work-related stress, the loss of a loved one, a health problem, or a significant life-changing event.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms are anxiety, sadness, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite.
Adjustment disorders are diagnosed through a psychological evaluation that takes into account the person's medical history, symptoms, and impact on daily functioning. It is important to rule out other psychiatric disorders such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder, which may have similar symptoms.
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and helping the person adapt to stressful events through psychotherapy. In more severe cases, complementary medicine may be needed.
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), Washington, DC 2022.
- Carta, M.G., Balestrieri, M., Murru, A. et al. Adjustment Disorder: epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 5, 15 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-0179-5-15
- O’Donnell ML, Agathos JA, Metcalf O, Gibson K, Lau W. Adjustment Disorder: Current Developments and Future Directions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16(14):2537.
