Adjustment disorder
Adjustment Disorders appear following one or more stressful events, which influence both the psychological and social spheres of an affected individual. These disturbances are usually transitory. The traumatic event or events must be clearly identifiable however. At times it occurs that situations that are objectively traumatic do not produce any signs of sufferance in individuals, while other apparently harmless situations do so.
The quality and intensity of an 'interaction' occurring between a subject and a particular event is entirely subjective. The intense sufferance caused by the disorder results in an impairment of functioning at the relational, occupational and social levels. The disorder must present within three months following the traumatic event and should last no longer than six months.
Many life events are potentially capable of inducing stress, and these are often cases of separation and divorce (particularly in Western countries), the death of a loved one, occupational problems and illnesses. When a problem arises following a disease or injury or even its related treatment (which might be long and stressful and even eventually have an outcome whereby the individual is left with a permanent impairment), people may begin to show signs of a lack of adjustment with respect to their state of illness or invalidity, and their psycho-physical functioning may be altered.
If the symptoms last longer than six months, it is possible to speak in terms of a Chronic Adjustment Disorder. The disorder is sub-typed into various groups, depending on which symptoms are predominant.
Symptoms include:
- Sadness
- Crying spells
- Lack of enjoyment
- Nervousness
- Thoughts of suicide
- Desperation
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Anxiety
- Worry
The primary goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and help the person return to a similar level of functioning as before the stressful event occurred.
Most mental health professionals recommend treatments including:
- Behavior therapy
- Individual psychotherapy
- Family therapy
- Self-help groups
When medications are used, they are usually in addition to other forms of treatment.
