Adjustment disorders are stress-related conditions. This occurs when an individual experiences more stress than would normally be expected in response to a stressful or unexpected event, and this stress causes significant problems in their lives.
People with adjustment disorder continue to have emotional or behavioral reactions to any life changes even after a few months, and this can contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression. Adjustment disorders affect how you feel and think about yourself and the world and may affect actions and behaviors.
The DSM-5 lists six different types of adjustment disorders they can be accompanied with depressed moot, anxiety, mixed anxiety and depressed mood, disturbance of conduct, mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct or unspecified.
Adjustment disorder is very common, specifically among children and adolescents. Adjustment disorder statistics show that prevalence rates fall between 11-18% of those who attend primary care.
The recovery rate from adjustment disorder is positive if it’s treated quickly and correctly. Adjustment disorder usually does not last longer than six months after a stressor is gone.
You should contact a doctor if you continue to struggle after a stressful or unexpected event, and you are having trouble getting through your daily life.