Everyone faces hard times, sooner or later. Whether it’s family conflict, divorce, the loss of a job or major illness, adjusting to new and difficult circumstances can be a challenge. Adjustment disorders, also called “stress response syndrome,”  involve stress, anxiety and emotional disturbances that accompany problems adapting to major life events.[1] Right now the entire nation is experiencing a collective stress response syndrome as the  COVID-19 pandemic continues to traumatically remake the face of daily life.

Common causes of an adjustment disorder include:

  • Death of a loved one
  • Relationship problems
  • Divorce
  • Relocation
  • Work problems
  • Loss of employment
  • Major illness
  • Money problems
  • Sexuality
  • Gender identity

Adjustment disorders due to a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation tend to arise from long-established conflicts involving a person’s self-concept. Although most adjustment disorders are short-term, adjustment disorders arising from issues of sexuality or gender can last for years.

Symptoms of adjustment disorder are often severe and life-disrupting. They include:

  • Feelings of deep sadness
  • Anxiety
  • Stomach aches
  • Restlessness
  • Repetitive thoughts
  • Feeling trapped, hopeless
  • Heart flutters
  • Crying spells

Adjustment disorders are more intense than regular anxiety or sadness and don’t go away on their own, but they rarely require long-term treatment with psychiatric medication. However, an adjustment disorder can turn into a depressive episode, so getting into therapy is imperative.

Psychotherapy is the preferred method of treating adjustment disorders. Therapy teaches a person better coping skills and helps to untangle the often powerful and conflicting emotions common to anxiety disorders.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to treat adjustment disorders. A therapist can help you understand how your thoughts and feelings about your situation can harm your ability to adapt. Therapy teaches a person to be aware of how their thoughts, values and perceptions can get in the way of dealing with a situation in a positive manner.

Adjustment disorders tend to last less than a year, as long as the stressor goes away. In situations where the stress is ongoing, therapy can be a lifesaver. Long-term stress can lead to chronic anxiety and depression.

During this uncertain and distressing time, Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.

 

 

 

[1] https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/11311000-000000000-00000