Show AllAdjustment disorders are a reaction to stress. There is not a single direct cause between the stressful event and the reaction.
Children and adolescents vary in their temperament, past experiences, vulnerability, and coping skills, and as such some are more susceptible than others. Their developmental stage and the capacity of their support system to meet their specific needs related to the stress are factors that may contribute to their reaction to a particular stress.
Stressors also vary in duration, intensity, and effect. No evidence is available to suggest a specific biological factor that causes adjustment disorders.
Adjustment disorders are quite common in children and adolescents. They occur equally in males and females. While adjustment disorders occur in all cultures, the stressors and the signs may vary based on cultural influences.
Adjustment disorders occur at all ages, however, it is believed that characteristics of the disorder are different in children and adolescents than they are in adults. Differences are noted in the symptoms experienced, severity and duration of symptoms, and in the outcome.
Adolescent symptoms of adjustment disorders are more typically behavioral such as acting out, while adults typically experience more anxiety and depressive symptoms.
In all adjustment disorders, the reaction to the stressor seems to be in excess of a normal reaction, or the reaction significantly interferes with social or occupational (educational) functioning.
There are six subtypes of adjustment disorder that are based on the type of the major symptoms experienced. The following are the most common symptoms of each of the subtypes of adjustment disorder. However, each adolescent may experience symptoms differently.
Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
Symptoms may include:
- Depressed mood
- Tearfulness
- Feelings of hopelessness
Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety
Symptoms may include:
- Nervousness
- Excessive worry
- Jitteriness
- Fear of separation from major attachment figures
Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depressed Mood
A combination of symptoms from both of the above subtypes (depressed mood and anxiety) is present.
Adjustment Disorder with Disturbance of Conduct
Symptoms may include:
- Violation of the rights of others
- Violation of normal societal behaviors and rules (truancy, destruction of property, reckless driving, fighting)
Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct
A combination of symptoms from all of the above subtypes are present (depressed mood, anxiety and conduct).
Adjustment Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
Reactions to stressful events that do not fit in one of the above subtypes are present. Reactions may include behaviors such as social withdrawal or inhibitions to normally expected activities (i.e., school or work).
The symptoms of adjustment disorders may resemble other medical problems or psychiatric conditions. Always consult your adolescent's physician or mental health provider for a diagnosis.
A qualified physician, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, or a qualified mental health professional usually makes the diagnosis of an adjustment disorder in children and adolescents following a comprehensive evaluation and interview with the child or adolescent and the parents. A detailed personal history of development, life events, emotions, behaviors, and the identified stressful event is obtained during the interview.
Specific treatment for adjustment disorders will be determined by your child / adolescent's physician based on:
- Your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of your child / adolescent's symptoms
- Subtype of the adjustment disorder
- Your child / adolescent's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the stressful event
Treatment May Include
Individual Psychotherapy Using Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches
Cognitive-behavioral approaches are used to improve age-appropriate problem solving skills, communication skills, impulse control, anger management skills, and stress management skills.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is often focused on making needed changes within the family system such as improving communication skills and family interactions, as well as increasing family support among family members.
Peer Group Therapy
Peer group therapy is often focused on developing and using social skills and interpersonal skills.
Medication
While medications have very limited value in the treatment of adjustment disorders, medication may be considered on a short term basis if a specific symptom is severe and known to be responsive to medication.
Prevention of Adjustment Disorders
Preventive measures to reduce the incidence of adjustment disorders in children are not known at this time. However, early detection and intervention can reduce the severity of symptoms, enhance the adolescent's normal growth and development, and improve the quality of life experienced by adolescents with adjustment disorders.
