INFORMATION ON ADJUSTMENT DISORDER

Adjustment disorder may be defined as a short-term condition occurs when a person is refuse to cope/adjust with a particular source of stress, such as a major life change, loss or event.

CAUSES OF ADJUSTMENT DISORDER

The various events which are responsible for the development of adjustment disorder are:-

1. Ending of a relationship or marriage.
2. Losing or changing job.
3. Death of a loved one
4. Being a victim of a crime.
5. Having an accident.
6. Living through a disaster, such as a fire, flood or hurricane.

SYMPTOMS OF ADJUSTMENT DISORDER

The various symptoms that are shown by a subject with adjustment disorder are:-

1. Trembling or twitching
2. Depression
3. Agitation
4. Palpitations
5. Physical complaints

DIAGNOSIS OF ADJUSTMENT DISORDER

The following criteria need to be met to establish a diagnosis:

1. The subject must have a psychological evaluation
2. The symptoms clearly follow a psychosocial stressor
3. The symptoms are more severe than would be expected
4. There do not appear to be other underlying disorders

TREATMENT OF ADJUSTMENT DISORDER

The main aim of treatment of adjustment disorder is to relieve the subject from symptoms and help him/her to return to level of functioning that subject had before the stressful event.

Psychosocial treatment is also recommended by some of the doctors. Treatments include individual psychotherapy, family therapy, behavior therapy, and self-help groups.

Medications are usually prescribed in addition to other forms of treatment.