Adjustment to Life Stressors
Support for the emotional and behavioral responses that follow a difficult life event — helping you cope, adapt and move forward.
Adjustment to Life Stressors
Adjustment to Life Stressors
Adjustment Disorder is defined as the presence of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor or stressors, which occurred within three months of the beginning of the stressor. The distress may be out of proportion with the expected reactions to the stressor and cause impairment in functioning. The reaction is not considered part of normal bereavement, and when the stressor is removed or the individual has begun to adjust and cope, the symptoms subside.
Our approach
Therapy that meets you where you are.
Every client deserves a space that is private, attentive, and free of judgment. Whether you are navigating a recent change or carrying something that has weighed on you for years, our team builds each session around your goals — using evidence-based methods delivered with warmth and clinical care.
Adjustment Disorder
Symptoms Related to Adjustment Disorder
Symptoms can show for a single event or continually stressful circumstances. The usual stressors are interruptions in close relationships except for bereavement; events that disrupt adjustment, such as disasters; and job failure or loss. Symptoms may include:
- Low mood
- Worry
- Insomnia
- Sadness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety
- Angry or disruptive behavior
- Loss of self-esteem
- Hopelessness
- Feeling isolated
- Feeling trapped with no other options
Children and adolescents typically show the following symptoms with Adjustment Disorder: irritability, depression, poor sleep, and poor grades and performance in school.
Stressors That May Cause Adjustment Disorders
Single events: divorce or break-up of a relationship; being fired from a job.
Multiple stressors: difficulties with a business and marital problems.
Recurrent stressors: business crises that occur in the “off-season”; unfulfilling sexual relationships.
Continuous stressors: continuous painful illness that increases disability; residing in a crime-filled community.
Family or community-wide stressors: a natural disaster; terrorism.
Stressors accompanying specific developmental events: getting married, going to school, becoming a parent, leaving the parents’ home, re-entering the parents’ home (after college, a relationship breakup, or loss of a job), failure to succeed in a career, and retirement.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Psychotherapy is usually the best choice for Adjustment Disorder, because the disorder is seen as temporary and a somewhat normal reaction to a stressful event. The therapist works with the individual to find new behaviors and ideas and helps them to be able to deal more effectively with the problem. In addition, the therapist helps the individual find a clearer understanding of the issue. The treatment will often stress the significance of social support in the individual’s life. If there’s an issue with stress, therapy may also include relaxation training and techniques.
While Adjustment Disorder rarely extends beyond six months, there may be some lasting feeling that happens beyond that time frame. Those are normal and are usually not serious enough to require additional treatment.
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Whether you have questions about adjustment to life stressors, want to confirm fit, or are ready to schedule an intake, our team will guide you through every step with care and clarity.