Adjustment Disorder: Why You May Be Experiencing Anxiety or Depression

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them. A job loss. A difficult diagnosis. A breakup. The death of someone close to you. These moments shake us up, and feeling upset or off-balance is completely normal. But sometimes, the stress doesn't fade. Instead, it grows. You find yourself unable to sleep, constantly worried, or withdrawing from people you care about. Simple tasks feel impossible.

When stress takes over your life like this, you might be dealing with something called adjustment disorder. It's more than just having a bad week. It's a recognized mental health condition that affects millions of people, and understanding it is the first step toward feeling like yourself again.

What Is Adjustment Disorder?

Adjustment disorder is what happens when your reaction to a stressful life event becomes more intense than what most people would experience in the same situation. According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, it's a legitimate mental health condition that affects how you function day to day.

The key difference between normal stress and adjustment disorder is how much it interferes with your life. Everyone feels stressed after major changes. But with adjustment disorder, the symptoms make it hard to do your job, maintain relationships, or take care of yourself.

Here's what makes adjustment disorder distinct: symptoms develop within three months of the stressful event, and they typically resolve within six months after the stressor ends or you learn to cope with it. This timeline sets it apart from other mental health conditions that can last much longer.

Studies show that between 5% and 20% of people seeking outpatient mental health care have adjustment disorder. In hospital settings, that number can be as high as 50%. These numbers tell us this condition is common—you're far from alone.

Common Triggers and Causes

Adjustment disorder doesn't happen in a vacuum. It's always connected to something specific happening in your life. What's interesting is that the triggering event doesn't have to be traumatic in the way we usually think about trauma. Sometimes, even positive changes can trigger adjustment disorder.

Common stressors that can lead to adjustment disorder include:

• Work and career changes: Losing a job, retirement, getting demoted, or even a promotion that brings new pressure
• Relationship problems: Divorce, breakup, ongoing marital conflict, or the ending of a significant friendship
• Major life transitions: Moving to a new city, becoming a parent, kids leaving home, or starting college
• Health challenges: Receiving a serious medical diagnosis, dealing with chronic illness, or becoming a caregiver
• Loss and grief: Death of a loved one, losing a pet, or other significant losses
• Financial stress: Bankruptcy, unexpected expenses, or ongoing money problems

The same event might affect two people completely differently. Research shows that your personal history, temperament, existing support system, and coping skills all play a role in whether you develop adjustment disorder after a stressful event.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Adjustment disorder shows up differently in different people, but there are some common patterns to watch for. The symptoms usually start within three months of the stressful event and can affect your emotions, behavior, and physical health.

Emotional symptoms might include:

• Persistent sadness or feeling hopeless
• Excessive worry or anxiety that won't go away
• Feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks
• Crying more easily than usual
• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy

Behavioral changes often show up as:

• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Avoiding work or school
• Acting impulsively or recklessly (more common in teens)
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Changes in appetite
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

Physical symptoms can include:

• Frequent headaches
• Stomachaches or digestive problems
• Racing heartbeat or palpitations
• Fatigue even when you've rested
• General aches and pains without medical cause

What makes these symptoms a disorder rather than just stress is how much they interfere with your life. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the symptoms must be severe enough to significantly disrupt your work, relationships, or daily activities.

The Six Types of Adjustment Disorder

Mental health professionals recognize six different subtypes of adjustment disorder based on which symptoms are most prominent. Knowing which type you might be dealing with can help guide treatment.

Adjustment disorder with depressed mood involves feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of joy. You might cry frequently and lose interest in activities that usually bring you pleasure. This type shares some similarities with depression but is directly linked to your stressor.

Adjustment disorder with anxiety shows up as excessive worry, nervousness, and feeling overwhelmed. You might have trouble concentrating or experience separation anxiety (especially common in children who have experienced loss).

Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood combines symptoms from both categories above. You experience both anxious and depressive symptoms at the same time.

Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct involves behavioral problems like acting rebellious, reckless, or impulsive. This might include fighting, destroying property, or ignoring rules. Research indicates this subtype is more common in children and teens.

Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct combines emotional symptoms (anxiety and depression) with behavioral issues.

Adjustment disorder unspecified covers reactions that don't fit neatly into the other categories but still cause significant distress. This often includes physical symptoms or social withdrawal.

How Adjustment Disorder Differs from Other Conditions

One of the most confusing aspects of adjustment disorder is understanding how it's different from other mental health conditions with similar symptoms. Let's break down the key differences.

Adjustment Disorder vs. Major Depressive Disorder

While both conditions can involve sadness and loss of interest, major depression has more severe symptoms and doesn't require a specific trigger. Depression typically involves significant changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels that last for extended periods.

Adjustment disorder, on the other hand, is always connected to an identifiable stressor. The symptoms don't reach the full criteria for major depression, and they usually improve once you adapt to the situation or the stressor ends.

Adjustment Disorder vs. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The main difference between these two conditions lies in the nature of the triggering event. PTSD develops after a life-threatening or traumatic event—things like combat, serious accidents, violence, or assault. PTSD involves specific symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and intense fear responses.

Adjustment disorder responds to stressful but typically non-life-threatening events. The symptoms are also different—you won't experience the intrusive memories and avoidance behaviors that characterize PTSD. Additionally, PTSD can last for years without treatment, while adjustment disorder typically resolves within six months.

Adjustment Disorder vs. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry about many different aspects of life, not tied to any specific event or stressor. It's a chronic condition that exists independently of life circumstances.

Adjustment disorder with anxiety is specifically triggered by an identifiable stressor. Once you adapt to that stressor or it ends, the anxiety symptoms typically fade.

Getting the right diagnosis matters because it guides treatment. If you're experiencing symptoms after a stressful event, don't try to diagnose yourself—work with a mental health professional who can evaluate your specific situation.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone can develop adjustment disorder, but certain factors make some people more vulnerable than others. Understanding these risk factors doesn't mean you're destined to develop the condition—it just means you might benefit from extra support during stressful times.

Age plays a role in how adjustment disorder presents itself. Children and teens often show more behavioral symptoms, like acting out or having problems at school. Adults tend to experience more emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression. Women are diagnosed with adjustment disorder about twice as often as men, though this could reflect differences in help-seeking behavior rather than actual prevalence.

Risk factors that increase vulnerability include:

• Having other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety
• Limited social support or feeling isolated
• Previous experiences with trauma or significant stress
• Personality traits that affect how you cope with change
• Lack of healthy coping skills or problem-solving abilities
• Dealing with multiple stressors at the same time
• Disadvantaged life circumstances or ongoing hardship

It's important to remember that experiencing stress doesn't mean you've failed. The way we respond to difficult situations is shaped by our entire life history, our biology, and the resources available to us. There's no shame in needing help to get through a tough time.

Getting a Diagnosis

If you think you might have adjustment disorder, the first step is talking to your doctor. They'll start with a physical exam and questions about your symptoms, medical history, and what's been happening in your life. This helps rule out physical conditions that might be causing or contributing to your symptoms.

Your doctor might order blood tests or imaging like CT scans to make sure your symptoms aren't related to a head injury, thyroid problem, or other medical issue. Once physical causes are ruled out, they'll likely refer you to a mental health professional—a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist who specializes in diagnosing mental health conditions.

The mental health professional will use specific criteria from the DSM-5 to make a diagnosis. These criteria include:

• Emotional or behavioral symptoms that developed within three months of an identifiable stressor
• Symptoms or behaviors that are clinically significant—meaning they cause marked distress that's out of proportion to the stressor, or they significantly interfere with your work, social life, or other important areas
• The symptoms don't meet criteria for another mental disorder and aren't just a worsening of an existing condition
• The symptoms aren't part of normal grief after losing a loved one
• Once the stressor or its consequences end, symptoms don't persist for more than six additional months

This evaluation process is important. Many symptoms of adjustment disorder overlap with other conditions, and getting the right diagnosis ensures you receive the most effective treatment.

Treatment Options That Work

The good news about adjustment disorder is that it responds well to treatment. Most people recover fully, especially when they get help early. Treatment typically focuses on helping you cope with the stressor and develop skills to manage future challenges.

Psychotherapy: The Primary Treatment

Talk therapy is the main treatment for adjustment disorder. Several approaches have proven effective:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used and effective treatments. Research shows CBT helps by teaching you to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more balanced thinking. For example, if you lost your job and keep thinking "I'll never recover from this," CBT helps you challenge that thought and develop a more realistic perspective.

Problem-solving therapy focuses specifically on the current stressor. You work with your therapist to systematically address the problem—either solving it directly or improving how you cope with things you can't change.

Interpersonal therapy addresses problems in your relationships with family and friends. This can be especially helpful when relationship issues are contributing to your stress.

Family therapy is often recommended when children or teens have adjustment disorder. It helps improve communication within the family and ensures everyone understands how to support the person who's struggling.

Most therapy for adjustment disorder is brief and time-limited. Many people find relief in just 4-6 sessions, though individual needs vary.

Medication: A Supporting Role

Unlike other mental health conditions, adjustment disorder doesn't always require medication. When medication is prescribed, it's typically used short-term to manage specific symptoms while therapy does the deeper work.

Medications that might be prescribed include:

• Antidepressants (like SSRIs or SNRIs) for depressive symptoms
• Anti-anxiety medications for severe anxiety
• Sleep aids if insomnia is a major problem

The key word here is "might." Many people with adjustment disorder recover fully with therapy alone. Medication decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor based on your specific symptoms and needs.

Support Groups and Peer Support

Joining a support group can provide valuable connection with others facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and coping strategies with people who understand what you're going through can be incredibly validating and helpful.

Coping Strategies and Self-Care

While professional treatment is important, there's a lot you can do on your own to support your recovery. These self-care strategies work best when combined with therapy, not as a replacement for it.

Build and lean on your support system. Talk to family and friends about what you're going through. Let them know what kind of support helps you most. Sometimes just having someone listen without trying to fix everything can make a huge difference.

Practice stress management techniques. Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can all help calm your nervous system when anxiety spikes. Even five minutes of focused breathing can help you feel more grounded.

Take care of your physical health. The mind-body connection is real. Regular exercise, eating nutritious meals, and getting adequate sleep all support mental health. You don't need to run marathons—a 15-minute walk in nature can boost your mood.

Journal your thoughts and feelings. Writing helps you process emotions and identify patterns. You might discover triggers you didn't notice before or recognize progress you've made.

Set small, achievable goals. When you're overwhelmed, everything feels impossible. Break larger challenges into smaller steps. Accomplishing even small goals builds confidence and momentum.

Maintain routines. Structure provides stability when everything feels chaotic. Try to maintain regular sleep and meal times, even when you don't feel like it.

Limit alcohol and avoid drugs. People with adjustment disorder are at higher risk for substance abuse. Substances might provide temporary relief but ultimately make symptoms worse.

Engage in activities you enjoy. Depression and anxiety make it hard to do fun things, but pushing yourself (gently) to engage in hobbies or activities can improve your mood over time.

Ask for help with daily tasks. If you're overwhelmed, it's okay to ask others to help with things like housework, errands, or childcare. Accepting help isn't weakness—it's smart resource management.

What Happens If Left Untreated?

While some people with adjustment disorder recover on their own as they adapt to the stressor, leaving it untreated carries risks. Without proper support and coping skills, adjustment disorder can become chronic or develop into more serious conditions.

Research shows that without treatment, adjustment disorder can progress to:

• Major depressive disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Substance use disorder
• Chronic adjustment disorder (lasting beyond six months)

Perhaps most concerning, people with adjustment disorder are at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Studies have found that individuals with adjustment disorder may engage in self-harm at rates that surpass those with other conditions.

Early intervention makes a significant difference in outcomes. The sooner you get help, the faster you typically recover, and the lower your risk of developing additional mental health problems.

If you're having thoughts of suicide, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline immediately. Help is available 24/7.

The Path to Recovery

Recovery from adjustment disorder is not only possible—it's expected with proper treatment. Most people fully recover and go on to handle future stressors more effectively because of what they've learned.

The timeline for recovery varies. Many people start feeling significantly better within a few months of starting treatment. The symptoms typically resolve within six months after the stressor ends or you've adapted to it.

Building resilience is a key part of recovery. The coping skills you learn in therapy don't just help with your current situation—they become tools you can use throughout your life. You're not just getting better; you're getting stronger.

Even after you're feeling better, continuing with occasional therapy sessions can be helpful. It provides ongoing support and helps prevent symptoms from returning when new stressors arise. Think of it like preventive maintenance for your mental health.

How a Solace Advocate Can Help

Navigating mental health treatment can be confusing, especially when you're already feeling overwhelmed. This is where a Solace advocate becomes invaluable. We understand that dealing with adjustment disorder is hard enough without having to figure out the healthcare system on your own.

A Solace advocate can connect you with mental health professionals who specialize in treating adjustment disorders and related conditions. We know which providers are accepting new patients, which ones take your insurance, and which ones have the right expertise for your specific situation. This saves you hours of frustration trying to find help on your own.

Coordinating care between providers is something we do every day. If you're seeing a therapist, primary care doctor, and maybe a psychiatrist, we make sure they're all communicating and working together. We track your treatment plan, follow up on referrals, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Understanding insurance coverage for behavioral health services can be complicated. We help you figure out what your insurance covers, what your out-of-pocket costs will be, and whether you need prior authorization for certain treatments. If you're facing coverage denials, we know how to appeal and fight for the care you need.

We also assist with practical matters like scheduling appointments, arranging transportation if needed, and ensuring you have everything ready for your visits. When you're dealing with anxiety or depression, these logistical tasks can feel overwhelming. We handle them so you can focus on getting better.

Most importantly, your Solace advocate stays with you throughout your entire treatment journey. You're not bounced between different people or left to figure things out alone. You have one dedicated person who knows your story, understands your needs, and is always in your corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can adjustment disorder go away on its own?

Yes, adjustment disorder can resolve on its own as you adapt to the stressor or as the stressor's effects diminish. However, seeking professional treatment helps you recover faster, teaches you valuable coping skills for the future, and reduces the risk of developing more serious mental health conditions. Think of treatment not just as fixing a problem, but as building skills that will serve you throughout your life.

Is adjustment disorder the same as situational depression?

Situational depression is another name for adjustment disorder with depressed mood. They refer to the same condition—depression that develops in response to a specific stressful event or life change. The term "situational depression" is more informal and commonly used in everyday conversation, while "adjustment disorder with depressed mood" is the clinical diagnosis used by mental health professionals.

How long does adjustment disorder last?

Symptoms typically develop within three months of the stressful event and usually resolve within six months after the stressor ends or you've learned to cope with it. However, this timeline can vary based on whether the stressor is ongoing, how severe it is, and whether you receive treatment. With therapy, many people start feeling better within a few months. If symptoms last longer than six months, your diagnosis may need to be reassessed.

Do I need medication for adjustment disorder?

Not necessarily. Therapy is the primary and most effective treatment for adjustment disorder, and many people recover fully without medication. However, medication might be helpful if you have severe symptoms that make it hard to function or engage in therapy, if you also have another mental health condition, or if therapy alone isn't providing enough relief. Medication decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or psychiatrist based on your specific needs.

Can children have adjustment disorder?

Yes, children and adolescents can definitely have adjustment disorder. In fact, it's one of the most common mental health challenges in young people. The symptoms often look different in children than in adults—kids are more likely to show behavioral problems like acting out, having trouble in school, or changes in sleep patterns, while adults tend to experience more emotional symptoms like anxiety and sadness. Treatment for children often includes family therapy alongside individual therapy to ensure the whole family system supports the child's recovery.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional advice. Information is subject to change. Consult your healthcare provider or a qualified professional for guidance on medical issues, financial concerns, or healthcare benefits.

Related Reading

• Does Medicare Cover Counseling for Depression? What You Need to Know About Getting Help
• Finding a Therapist Who Takes Medicare: Why It's So Hard and How to Succeed
• How Long Should You Wait for a Psychiatrist Appointment?
• What Should You Do When Your Mental Health Provider Doesn't Return Your Calls?
• Medicare's Mental Health Medication Maze: Understanding Part D Coverage

‍