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An adjustment disorder is an emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressful event or change in a person's life. The change or event is more intense than expected. It negatively impacts the child’s life. This reaction occurs within three months of the stressful event or change that happened. The event or change may be things like a family move, parental divorce or separation, the loss of a pet or the birth of a sibling.
Adjustment disorders are a reaction to stress. There is not a direct cause between the event and the reaction.
Children and teens vary in their temperament, past experiences, vulnerability and coping skills. Some children or teens are more likely to struggle than others. Their developmental stage and the support of people around them to meet their needs may make a difference in their reaction to the stress.
Stressors also vary in length, how strong they are and their effect. No evidence is available to suggest a biological factor causes adjustment disorders.
Adjustment disorders are common in children and teens. They occur in both males and females. Adjustment disorders occur in all cultures. The stressors and the signs may vary based on cultural influences.
Adjustment disorders happen at all ages. Characteristics of the disorder are different in children and teens than they are in adults. There are differences in the symptoms experienced, seriousness and length of time of symptoms, and in the outcome.
Symptoms of adjustment disorders in children and teens are often behavioral, like acting out. Adults and older teens often have more anxiety and depressive symptoms.
In all adjustment disorders, the intensity and severity of the reaction to the stressor is greater than expected. The reaction gets in the way of social or occupational (educational) functioning. The symptoms are not part of a normal grief reaction.
There are six subtypes of adjustment disorders based on the type of symptoms experienced. The following are the most common symptoms of each of the subtypes of adjustment disorder. However, each child or teen may have different symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
Symptoms may include:
A combination of symptoms from the above subtypes (depressed mood and anxiety) is present.
Symptoms may include:
A combination of symptoms from all the above subtypes is present (depressed mood, anxiety and conduct).
Reactions to stressful events are extreme and getting in the way of functioning, but do not fit into one of the above subtypes. Reactions may include behaviors such as social withdrawal or disinterest in normally expected activities (like hobbies, school or work).
The symptoms of adjustment disorders may look like other medical problems or psychiatric conditions. Always talk to your child or teen’s doctor or mental health provider for accurate assessment and diagnosis.
A doctor, a child and teen psychiatrist, or a mental health professional makes the diagnosis of an adjustment disorder after a full evaluation and interview with the child or teen and the parents or guardians. A detailed personal history of development, life events, emotions, behaviors and the stressful event are talked about during the interview.
Specific treatment for adjustment disorders will be decided by your child / teen’s doctor based on:
Individual Psychotherapy Using Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches
Cognitive-behavioral approaches are used to improve age-appropriate coping including problem-solving skills, communication skills, impulse control, anger management skills and stress management skills.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is focused on making needed changes within the family system. This includes things like improving communication skills and family interactions, and increasing support among family members.
Peer Group Therapy
Peer group therapy is focused on developing and using social skills.
Medication
Medicine may be considered on a short-term basis if it is known to help with a specific severe symptom. Medication is not often helpful for treatment of adjustment disorders.
Developing healthy coping skills and resilience, and strong family support can help to prevent adjustment disorders. Early identification and intervention can reduce the intensity of symptoms, enhance the child / teen’s normal growth and development, and improve the quality of life of children / teens with adjustment disorders. Additionally, effective therapy can build a child / teen’s overall confidence and ability to manage any future stressors that come their way.
Parents hope their child never has to face medical and behavioral health challenges, but when he or she does, our expert teams of child psychologists stand ready to help.
Last Updated 11/2025
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