Adjustment Disorders

Adjustment disorder is a short-term condition that occurs when a person has great difficulty coping with, or adjusting to, a particular source of stress, such as a major life change, loss, or event. In 2013, the mental health diagnostic system technically changed the name of "adjustment disorder" to "stress response syndrome."

Because people with an adjustment disorder/stress response syndrome often have some of the symptoms of clinical depression, such as tearfulness, feelings of hopelessness, and loss of interest in work or activities, adjustment disorder is sometimes informally called "situational depression." Unlike major depression, however, an adjustment disorder doesn't involve as many of the physical and emotional symptoms of clinical depression (such as changes in sleep, appetite and energy) or high levels of severity (such as suicidal thinking or behavior).

 

The type of stress that can trigger an adjustment disorder/stress response syndrome varies depending on the person, but can include:

  • Ending of a relationship or marriage

  • Losing or changing job

  • Death of a loved one

  • Developing a serious illness (yourself or a loved one)

  • Being a victim of a crime

  • Having an accident

  • Undergoing a major life change (such as getting married, having a baby, or retiring from a job)

  • Living through a disaster, such as a fire, flood, or hurricane