• Hopelessness
• Frequent crying
• Depressed mood
• Severe enough to impair occupational/social functioning
• Agitation
• Trembling or twitching
• Palpitations
• Conduct disturbances
• Physical complaints
• Withdrawal
• Occupational functioning is decreased
• Anxiety, stress, and tension

Note: Symptoms may vary widely, but duration is usually less than 6 months. The person may or may not be aware of the stressor causing the disturbance.

Diagnosis depends on the following:

• Within 3 months of stressor, emotional and behavior symptoms develop in response to stressor
• Symptoms seem excessive in relation to stressor OR symptoms significantly impair occupational, school or social functioning
• Symptoms not explained by another diagnosis Symptoms are not part of bereavement
• Symptoms do not last longer than 6 months after end of stressor
• The diagnosis may be Acute (symptoms lasting less than 6 months) or Chronic (symptoms lasting 6 months or longer as when stressors are chronic or have lasting effects)

Causes

The cause is a life stress, but there is no way to predict which people are likely to get an adjustment disorder given the same stressor.

Adults usually develop adjustment disorders related to stressors such as marital discord, finances, or work. In adolescents, common stressors include school problems or parents? marital problems. Other stressors may include death of a loved one, life changes or unexpected catastrophes. Situational factors that influence how well a person reacts to stress may include economic conditions, availability of social supports, and occupational and recreational opportunities. Intrapersonal susceptibility to stress may include such factors as social skills, intelligence, and coping strategies.

By Arvind Katoch

Related Articles