Q: Does adjustment disorder go away?

According to the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adjustment-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20355224" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mayo Clinic</a>, the symptoms of adjustment disorder could go away after a few months. Usually, symptoms will be the strongest in the first three months after the event and improve within six months. However, for some people, the condition worsens with time and lasts longer than six months. Adjustment disorders may exacerbate if the stressor is ongoing such as divorce or unemployment.Some people cope with the stress caused by certain life events or significant changes without experiencing mental health problems. Such people learn to deal with the stress over time and eventually recover. However, if the coping mechanisms fail to relieve the stress, the individual develops a mental disorder that needs treatment.<hr/>Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to <a href="https://meetmonarch.com/therapists/adjustment-disorder/near-me" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">find licensed mental health therapists</a>with availability and online booking.<hr/>

Question 1

Is adjustment disorder a mental illness?

Accepted Answer

Yes, adjustment disorder is a mental illness because it produces symptoms that are consistent with mental health disorders.

The symptoms of adjustment disorder include depressed mood, social isolation, anxiety, and/or antisocial behavior.

Adjustment disorder is also associated with an increased risk of substance abuse and suicidal ideation. If the condition persists, it can degenerate to a severe mental health problem like major depressive disorder.

Adjustment disorder is often undiagnosed, but most estimate that it affects between 5-20% of those in outpatient mental health treatment. Adjustment disorder is most severe among individuals with other mental health disorders or those who are already going through tough times. If the health condition is not treated, it can deteriorate to other mental health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapistswith availability and online booking.

Question 2

What causes adjustment disorder?

Accepted Answer

Adjustment disorder is a mental illness or condition that is usually caused when a person experiences an extremely stressful event and has an excessively negative reaction. The condition is characterized by anxiety, reckless behavior, and inability to overcome the trauma.

Most cases of adjustment disorder are caused by an identifiable stressor. The affected person manifests an excessive reaction to the event or stressor. The cause of stress can be a single event such as a fire, losing a job, or divorce. For other people, the cause may be a dysfunctional family life or difficulties in the workplace.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapistswith availability and online booking.

Question 3

How is adjustment disorder diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Adjustment disorder is diagnosed by a mental health professional during a therapy session. The following symptoms must be present for a diagnosis:

Distress that is disproportional to the intensity or severity of the stressor when cultural and other external factors are considered.
Significant impairment in occupational, social, or other areas of functioning.

Mental health professionals also look for distress or impairment associated with adjustment disorders such as low productivity at work or radical shifts in social behavior. They must first rule out other mental disorders or the escalation of a pre-existing disorder, as well as symptoms of normal loss or bereavement.

Adjustment disorders tend to have higher occurrence rates among individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapistswith availability and online booking.

Question 4

Does adjustment disorder go away?

Accepted Answer

According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of adjustment disorder could go away after a few months. Usually, symptoms will be the strongest in the first three months after the event and improve within six months.

However, for some people, the condition worsens with time and lasts longer than six months. Adjustment disorders may exacerbate if the stressor is ongoing such as divorce or unemployment.

Some people cope with the stress caused by certain life events or significant changes without experiencing mental health problems. Such people learn to deal with the stress over time and eventually recover. However, if the coping mechanisms fail to relieve the stress, the individual develops a mental disorder that needs treatment.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapistswith availability and online booking.

Is adjustment disorder a mental illness?

Related questions about adjustment disorder

Life is complicated. Finding a therapist shouldn’t be.

Newsletter signup

Get inspiration straight to your inbox.