Adjustment Disorder

Adjustment disorder can impact adolescents. It’s natural for teenagers to have some degree of difficulty adjusting to big changes in their life. But when a teenager responds to a stressful event by displaying symptoms of depression —such as hopelessness and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy—over an extended period of time, this is known as adjustment disorder. Other names for this condition are “stress response syndrome,” “transitional disorder,” and “situational depression.”

What is Adjustment Disorder?

Adjustment disorder is a disproportionately extreme reaction to a major life event. The types of adjustment disorders include adjustment disorder with depressed mood and adjustment disorder with disturbance of emotions and conduct. In both cases, symptoms generally begin within three months of the event and typically last for longer than six months after the event or situation.

Major life events that can trigger adjustment disorder include losing or changing a job, ending a relationship, being a victim of a crime, the death of a loved one, an accident, or surviving a disaster. Even a happy event, such as having a baby, can trigger adjustment disorder. Ongoing stress, such as living in a crime-ridden neighborhood or dealing with a serious illness, can also cause adjustment disorder. Symptoms include anxiety, frequent crying, sadness, substance use, and withdrawing from people and social activities. Adjustment disorder can also create physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, heart palpitations, changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, and fatigue.

One of the dangers of adjustment disorder is that it can lead to major depression if left untreated. For this reason, assessment and treatment is necessary—waiting until it gets better is not a safe course of action.

It's Time to Make a Change

Ready to Begin the Path to Healing?

Call Today (817) 259-2597
Most commercial insurance accepted
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Teens - A Complete Guide
September 22, 2023

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Teens - A Complete Guide

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can play a pivotal role in aiding teenagers with their mental health issues. This post is aimed at parents and guardians seeking a deeper understanding of CBT's importance in he...
A young mother helping her teen out with her homework, and implementing strategies that make learning fun.
September 20, 2023

Balancing School Stress and Mental Well-Being: Tips for Teens/Parents

In today's fast-paced and competitive world, it's not uncommon for both teens and parents to experience a significant amount of stress. Between the heavy academic workload, extracurricular activi...
A young teen listening to his therapist on his first day of our outpatient program at Clearfork Academy.
September 18, 2023

Understanding Teen Outpatient Programs and Their Benefits

Discover the Merits of Teen Outpatient Rehab Programs You may be wondering why and how a teen outpatient rehabilitation program can benefit your teen. Here are three key reasons: Continuity of Li...
A female teen in the fetal position; is currently experiencing trauma.
September 15, 2023

Teen Trauma - A Complete Guide

Chapter 1: The Profound Impact of Trauma on Teens Trauma refers to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have lasting psychological and emotional effects on an individual. When i...

We Are Here to Help.

Contact Us Today to Begin.

1
2
3
4