Adjustment disorder occurs when an individual is unable to adjust to or cope with a particular stressor, like a major life event. Since people with this disorder normally have symptoms that depressed people do, such as general loss of interest, feelings of hopelessness, and tearfulness, this disorder is also sometimes known as situational depression. Unlike major depression however, the disorder is caused by an outside stressor and generally resolves once the individual is able to adapt to the situation.
The kind of stressor that can trigger the manifestation of this disorder will vary depending on the individual. Most stressors though will include: the end of a relationship; changing or losing jobs; a death; the development of a serious illness; being a crime victim; figuring in an accident; experiencing a major life event (having a baby, getting married, retiring from a job, etc.); and surviving a disaster.
General Symptoms
An individual with AD has the tendency to develop behavioral and/or emotional symptoms as a means of reacting to a stressful event. Usually, these symptoms start out within three months of the stressor happening, rarely lasting longer than six months since typically the stressor has been resolved by then. You'll know that you're looking at disorders when the reactions to the stressors are worse than what are expected or typical for the situation.Additionally, the symptoms may be so great that they impair an individual's ability to function independently, such as working or studying. For more detailed symptoms please refer to the symtoms page.
Since AD is a behavioral reaction and has 6 different types and also every individual has different experiences, stresses, cultures, etc; the best practice would be to get a professional opinnion or assitance from a medical doctor to diagnose yourself as soon as possible. And initiate relevant treatment before permanent or a severe forms set in.
Keep in mind though that this disorder is not the same thing as post-traumatic stress disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder typically develops as one's reaction to life-threatening events and has the tendency to last longer, whereas AD is a short-term condition that does not usually last longer than six months.
AD is also sometimes miss-diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The major signs to look are that these people will always worry about a range of things and situations of life. Their friends and relatives usually categorized as people who worry a lot and as anxious people. They will also contract physical symptoms such as common headaches, tenseness, difficulties in concentrating, sleeping, muscle aches etc.
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