Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms that arise in response to an identifiable stressor. Typically, this is a major life event, such as the loss of a loved one, a divorce, or a traumatic experience.
While some other mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety, don’t require a definable source, adjustment disorder is triggered when you struggle to “adjust” to a specific change.
At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital in Greenville, North Carolina, we understand how confusing and overwhelming it can feel to struggle with adjustment disorder. We offer patient-centered care in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you’re seeking inpatient treatment, a day program, or outpatient support, our compassionate team is here to help you take the first steps toward healing.
What Is Adjustment Disorder?
Adjustment disorder is classified under trauma- and stress-related disorders. While other mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, may be prolonged or lifelong conditions, adjustment disorder is generally a shorter-term reaction to a known stressor.
Typically, a stressor will be a significant life event, such as a breakup or divorce, the loss of a job, or the death of a loved one. It could even be something you’ve looked forward to, like starting school or becoming a parent.
Everyone experiences major life changes, but when the stress from these events becomes overwhelming or interferes with your day-to-day responsibilities, it may be a sign that you need to seek help.
Signs & Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder
Timely intervention is critical to addressing the root cause of adjustment disorder and getting your life back on track. That starts with being able to recognize the symptoms.
Common symptoms of adjustment disorder include:
- Low mood, which may present as sadness, hopelessness, or a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Persistent worry, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating
- A mix of depressive and anxious symptoms (described above)
- Physical symptoms like headaches, body aches, or irregular heartbeat
The symptoms you may experience with adjustment disorder have a lot in common with symptoms of other mental health concerns, like anxiety and depression. For an adjustment disorder diagnosis, symptoms must emerge within three months of an inciting event. With proper treatment, symptoms can resolve within six months.
Adjustment Disorder Causes & Risk Factors
The stressors that trigger adjustment disorder tend to include significant life changes like:
- Losing a job
- Losing a loved one
- Relocating
- Starting school
- Becoming a parent
- Retiring
- Going through a divorce
- Managing a medical diagnosis or chronic illness
- Facing financial challenges
Certain risk factors may also make you more likely to develop symptoms of adjustment disorder. These include:
- Co-occurring mental health concerns
- A history of trauma or abuse
- A family history of mental health concerns
Potential Effects of Adjustment Disorder
Left unaddressed, adjustment disorder symptoms can make it more challenging to manage daily routines and responsibilities. The stress and emotional strain can also take a toll on your relationships, self-confidence, and personal goals.
Potential effects of untreated adjustment disorder include:
- Strained relationships
- Fatigue or weight gain/loss due to sleep and appetite changes
- Poor work or academic performance
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Progression of existing symptoms
Over time, ongoing stress may lead to additional mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression, that can affect your overall well-being.
With appropriate care and support, you can manage the symptoms of adjustment disorder. We can help you build effective coping strategies to adapt to new situations confidently.
Adjustment Disorder Statistics
Adjustment disorder is not as prevalent as some other mental health concerns, but it is still estimated to impact 1%-2% of people, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM).
NLM also says that adjustment disorder is more prevalent among certain populations and clinical situations, highlighting the need to better understand how different stressors affect people and how personalized treatment can help them manage the transition.
Debunking Common Myths About Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder isn’t as widely discussed as disorders like anxiety and depression, which can make it harder to recognize or understand. Misunderstandings about what adjustment disorder is (and isn’t) can feed into stigmas and prevent you from getting the support you need.
Here are some of the most common myths about adjustment disorder, and the truths behind them:
Myth: Having adjustment disorder means that you can’t handle stress.
Truth: Having this condition doesn’t mean that you’re weak or incapable — it means that your mind and body are responding to a specific change or challenge that feels overwhelming right now. Even if you have handled stress well in the past, you can develop adjustment disorder if the situation is intense enough or the timing makes it harder to cope. With the right tools and support, you can adapt and return to feeling like yourself again.
Myth: Adjustment disorder can only happen after something traumatic.
Truth: While major trauma can trigger adjustment disorder, it doesn’t take something extreme or negative for symptoms to develop. Everyday life changes — even positive ones like moving to a new city, starting school, becoming a parent, or retiring — can disrupt your sense of balance and lead to symptoms of adjustment disorder. What matters most is not how “big” the event seems on the outside but how it impacts you personally.
Myth: Adjustment disorder is temporary and will eventually resolve on its own.
Truth: Indeed, adjustment disorder is generally regarded as temporary when compared with other mental health concerns, like bipolar disorder and depression. However, left unaddressed, the symptoms of adjustment disorder can become more severe. Getting treatment early on gives you a better chance of moving forward with less distress and more confidence.
Myth: Adjustment disorder is not severe enough to seek help.
Truth: Just because adjustment disorder is often short-term compared with some other mental health disorders doesn’t mean that it’s a minor concern. Symptoms of adjustment disorder can take a heavy toll on your mood, relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Talking with a mental health professional at our Greenville treatment center for adjustment disorder can help you process what’s happening, find ways to adapt more easily, and reduce the risk for negative effects.
Why Seek Treatment for Adjustment Disorder?
Life changes are important, often stressful, times in everyone’s life. Dealing with the symptoms of adjustment disorder on top of a significant life event can make the moment even more intense. It’s not up to you to manage the stress alone.
Seeking treatment for adjustment disorder may help you gain:
- Relief from persistent stress and emotional pain
- More effective coping skills
- Stronger relationships
- Restored daily functioning and physical health
- Greater resilience in navigating life’s changes
With personalized care and support, you can move past the stressors that trigger adjustment disorder and chart a path to long-term healing. Our team of experts is here to help every step of the way.
Why Choose ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital?
Located in Greenville, North Carolina, our adjustment disorder treatment center is a trusted provider of high-quality behavioral healthcare. From intensive outpatient programming and partial hospitalization programming to inpatient treatment, we offer a complete continuum of care to meet you wherever you are on your journey to better mental health.
When you choose ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital, you benefit from:
- A personalized plan that is designed to reflect your unique experiences, needs, and goals
- Comprehensive therapies delivered by licensed professionals who have experience treating adjustment disorder and other stress-related concerns
- A multidisciplinary team that may include psychiatrists, master’s-level therapists, certified registered nurses and nurse practitioners, case managers, and support staff
- Discharge planning that connects you with appropriate follow-up care and community resources for sustained healing
- A safe healing environment where you are treated with dignity
Experiencing the symptoms of adjustment disorder can be intense and confusing. We understand how hard it can be to ask for help when you already feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to handle adjustment disorder on your own. If you or a loved one is struggling, please contact ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital today. Our admissions team is available to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you determine the level of care that’s right for you.
Start Your Healing Journey Today
Healing is possible, and it begins with a single step. Contact us today to learn more about our services or begin the admissions process.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital.