Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition often misunderstood and misrepresented in society. Despite being a relatively common phenomenon, many still experience misconceptions about the diagnosis and its symptoms. To combat these false and outdated conceptions, this blog post will discuss the features of adjustment disorder in detail, helping clarify some of the most common myths and better understand the condition.
It includes exploring the various forms of adjustment disorder and the treatments available for those suffering from it. In addition, this blog post will delve into the common myths surrounding adjustment disorder and discuss the reality behind them. By exploring the facts surrounding adjustment disorder and its treatments, readers can better understand the illness and the best way to help those suffering from it.
Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition that results in significant functional impairment due to the inability to adapt and adjust to the environment. Many believe this type of disorder is temporary and do not see it as a severe medical condition requiring immediate treatment.
Although there are cases where this may be true, adjustment disorder is more than simply a passing phase. If left untreated, it can cause long-lasting effects and even life-threatening complications for those who suffer from it.
Common Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder
Before diving into the symptoms of adjustment disorder, and the common myths about the condition, it is essential to understand what the illness is and how it affects a person.
Symptoms of adjustment disorder are often categorized as either physical or mental, indicating that these symptoms can be experienced in both areas of life. Adjustment disorder can affect a person’s physical health and cognitive ability, impacting every area of their life in some way.
These symptoms are:
- Anxious
- Sadness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of energy
- Substance or alcohol abuse
- Hopeless
These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s daily life, becoming more unmanageable as the disorder progresses.
Adjustment Disorder Treatments
Although some of the symptoms associated with an adjustment disorder may be temporary, others can become psychological and may continue for an extended period. If left untreated, these symptoms can cause significant problems for those suffering.
Several treatment options can help those experiencing adjustment disorder overcome their symptoms and live their lives without suffering from them anymore.
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is one option that can provide various benefits to those suffering from adjustment disorder by helping them manage their stress levels and providing the tools they need to help in times of distress.
Medications: A doctor may also prescribe medicines designed explicitly for adjustment disorder. These may include antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications to help manage symptoms since these are often the most prominent and apparent signs of adjustment disorder.
A person suffering from adjustment disorder can still experience all these symptoms but have greater control over them if they receive treatment and experience improvements in their everyday lives.
Common Myths About Adjustment Disorder
1. Adjustment Disorders Aren’t as Serious as They Seem
One of the most widespread misconceptions about adjustment disorder is that it doesn’t significantly impact a person’s life. Although symptoms may be temporary and less severe in some cases, a person suffering from adjustment disorder can experience debilitating effects if left untreated.
Adjustment disorders can cause various physical, psychological, and social consequences. They can manifest in an embarrassing, debilitating form if left untreated, causing symptoms to worsen and last longer than they otherwise would.
Since this condition is often misunderstood and misrepresented in society, it can be difficult for those who suffer from it to receive the treatments they need to protect their health and live a full life.
2. There’s Only One Type of Adjustment Disorder
One common myth about adjustment disorder is that there’s only one type of adjustment disorder. Although this illness may sometimes be temporary, several different adjustment disorders exist.
- With depression mood
- With an anxious mood
- With mixed anxiety and depression mood
- With disturbance conduct
- With mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct
- Unspecified
These different types of adjustment disorders can manifest differently in each person and may require additional treatments from one another. It is essential to visit a doctor and receive an official diagnosis to provide the appropriate treatments for the individual.
3. Adjustment Disorders Are a Long Term Illness
Another common myth about adjustment disorder is that it’s a long-term illness. Adjustment disorders generally exhibit within three months of the triggering event causing stress, but often only last a few months.
Although some cases may be more severe and last longer than this period, adjustment disorders can usually be treated within a few months if the symptoms are recognized and treated early. It allows individuals to regain control of their mental health within six months and begin to recover from their symptoms.
4. PTSD and Adjustment Disorders Are the Same
Adjustment disorder and PTSD are different mental health conditions with vastly different symptoms and treatment needs. Although some people may experience symptoms of both states simultaneously, they have other causes. They should not be confused or treated as if they are identical.
Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition that causes stress due to an inability to adapt to their environment. PTSD, on the other hand, is a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event that causes people to recall that event in the future and experience:
- Flashbacks
- Intrusive thoughts
- Unpleasant dreams
- Avoidance of things or objects that represent the event
- Tension
- Outbursts of anger
- Guilt
Each of these conditions requires different treatments to be managed appropriately. A doctor needs to make an official diagnosis before trying treatment options to provide the correct treatments for each individual’s needs.
5. Negative Stressors Only Trigger Adjustment Disorders
Another common misconception about adjustment disorder is that it only occurs when the individual is negatively exposed to stressful events. It can happen in any stressful situation, whether minor or severe.
The triggering event may be as minimal as a change in work responsibilities or as significant as losing a loved one. Even minor stressors can cause an imbalance within the mind and trigger symptoms if not properly treated.
Final Thoughts
Adjustment disorder can be a challenging condition to overcome without proper treatment. It can occur at any age and affect both genders equally. Although the symptoms of this condition are often less severe than equally common conditions such as depression or anxiety, they can be devastating if left untreated.
It is crucial for anyone experiencing the symptoms of adjustment disorder to seek treatment from a mental health professional to receive appropriate treatments that can help them recover from their symptoms and begin enjoying their lives again.
Suppose you or your loved one is experiencing symptoms of adjustment disorder. In that case, you should seek help from a mental health clinic to receive the necessary treatments. Adjustment disorder treatment may consist of therapy and counseling but is often accompanied by medication. Hanei Health Solutions is here to help you or your loved one and treat the symptoms of adjustment disorder as they arise. We can provide you with the proper treatment at our clinics and we’ll be there to aid you in overcoming the symptoms of adjustment disorder. Contact us today for more details!
