Adjustment disorders

What causes adjustment disorders? 

Adjustment disorders are a reaction to stress. There is not a single direct cause between the stressful event and the reaction. Children and adolescents vary in their temperament, past experiences, vulnerability, and coping skills. Their developmental stage and the capacity of their support system to meet their specific needs related to the stress are factors that may contribute to their reaction to a particular stress. Stressors also vary in duration, intensity, and effect. No evidence is available to suggest a specific biological factor that causes adjustment disorders. 

What are the symptoms of an adjustment disorder?    

In all adjustment disorders, the reaction to the stressor seems to be in excess of a normal reaction, or the reaction significantly interferes with social or occupational (educational) functioning. There are six subtypes of adjustment disorder that are based on the type of the major symptoms experienced. The following are the most common symptoms of each of the subtypes of adjustment disorder. However, each adolescent may experience symptoms differently.

Adjustment disorder with depressed mood

• depressed mood
• tearfulness
• feelings of hopelessness

Adjustment disorder with anxiety

• nervousness
• worry
• jitteriness
• fear of separation from major attachment figures

Adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood

• nervousness
• worry
• jitteriness
• fear of separation from major attachment figures
• depressed mood
• tearfulness
• feelings of hopelessness

Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct

• violation of the rights of others
• violation of societal norms and rules (truancy, destruction of property, reckless driving, fighting)

Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct

• fear of separation from major attachment figures
• violation of the rights of others
• violation of societal norms and rules (truancy, destruction of property, reckless driving, fighting)
• depressed mood
• tearfulness
• feelings of hopelessness
• nervousness
• worry
• jitteriness
• fear of separation from major attachment figures
• depressed mood
• tearfulness
• feelings of hopelessness
• nervousness
• worry
• jitteriness

Adjustment disorder unspecified

• Reactions to stressful events that do not fit in one of the above subtypes are present.
• Behaviors such as social withdrawal or inhibitions to normally expected activities (i.e., school or work).

The symptoms of adjustment disorders may resemble other medical problems or psychiatric conditions. Always consult your adolescent's physician for a diagnosis. 

Prevention of adjustment disorders: 

Preventive measures to reduce the incidence of adjustment disorders in children are not known at this time. However, early detection and intervention can reduce the severity of symptoms, enhance the adolescent's normal growth and development, and improve the quality of life experienced by adolescents with adjustment disorders.