Adjustment Disorder

An adjustment disorder begins when you have such an extreme reaction to a stressful or traumatic event that it completely disrupts your ability to function. With support and holistic care from Sabelle Mbye, PMHNP, and Diana Manjarres, PMHNP, at Just Breathe Wellness and Healing Center, you can learn to manage your feelings, regain a sense of calm, and restore your everyday life. Call the Kennesaw, Georgia office, or book online today to request an appointment and take the first step toward overcoming your intense emotions.

What is an adjustment disorder?

An adjustment disorder occurs when you have an extreme emotional reaction to a stressful or traumatic event. Your intense response is significantly more extreme than typically expected based on the actual stressor.

Your symptoms begin within three months of the event and should improve within six months after the stressor is eliminated. While they last, your symptoms are so severe you can’t work, socialize, or go to school. 

What stressors cause adjustment disorder?

A stressor is anything, good or bad, that causes stress. A few examples include:

• Getting married
• Having a baby
• Retiring from work
• Financial challenges
• Death of a loved one
• Emotional or physical abuse
• Entering a new school or starting a new job
• Marital problems or separation from your partner
• Learning you have an illness or chronic disease

Any traumatic event may cause adjustment disorder.

What symptoms do adjustment disorders cause?

There are six types of adjustment disorders based on their symptoms. For example, you may have an adjustment disorder with depressed mood, anxiety, or conduct disturbance.

As a group, adjustment disorders cause symptoms such as:

• Feeling sad and hopeless
• Lacking energy
• Losing interest in your favorite activities
• Isolating yourself from family and friends
• Having difficulty sleeping
• Feeling dread, fear, and worry
• Having an anxiety disorder like separation anxiety
• Being reckless and rebellious
• Becoming aggressive and destructive
• Developing physical problems like body aches, stomach aches, and headaches

You could have any combination of these symptoms, but they will be severe until the stressor is gone.

How is adjustment disorder treated?

Your Just Breathe Wellness and Healing Center provider begins with a thorough psychological evaluation to be sure your symptoms aren’t caused by another mental health disorder.

After diagnosing an adjustment disorder, they may prescribe medications targeting specific symptoms like depression. They also begin talk therapy, choosing a technique that works well for adjustment disorder.

Your provider may recommend using solution-focused brief therapy, a short-term therapy focused on coping strategies and solving the problem so you can move forward. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) also works well for adjustment disorder, as it helps you overcome irrational thoughts and manage your anxiety response.

Seeking help as soon as you find yourself in the grips of adjustment disorder paves the way for fast, successful treatment. Call Just Breathe Wellness and Healing Center or use the online booking feature today.