Adjustment Disorder
Difficulties We Work With
What is Adjustment Disorder?
Adjustment disorders are related to stress responses following a significant change in our lives. Adjusting to life changes is difficult for everyone, and can take some time. Individuals experiencing adjustment disorder tend to experience more stress than would be expected and can experience persistent and ongoing difficulties which interfere with your daily life.
There are several situations and life changes which may lead to adjustment disorder. Common examples which can be stressful and possibly lead to adjustment disorder 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)
- Retiring
- Disaster or unexpected tragedy
Signs and symptoms depend on the type of adjustment disorder and can vary from person to person. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Feeling sad, hopeless or not enjoying things you used to enjoy
- Frequent crying
- Worrying or feeling anxious, nervous, jittery or stressed out
- Trouble sleeping
- Lack of appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Difficulty functioning in daily activities
- Withdrawing from social supports
- Avoiding important things such as going to work or paying bills
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviour
Explore Other Difficulties
- Addiction
- ADHD
- Adjustment Disorder
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Behavioural Difficulties
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- Developmental Disorders
- Coping With Medical Conditions
- Eating Disorders
- Family Stress
- Grief and Loss
- Infertility or Pregnancy Loss
- Low Self Esteem
- Perinatal Anxiety and Depression
- Personality Disorders
- Separation and Mediation
- School Refusal
- Self Harm
- Sleep Problems
- Stress
- Trauma