Adjustment Disorders

Up to 20% of mental health appointments in the United States involve patients with adjustment disorders. If you or a loved one has dramatic reactions to stressful situations, turn to Alamo Premier Mental Health in San Antonio, Texas. The experienced mental health providers diagnose and treat adjustment disorders to optimize thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Schedule an in-person or virtual evaluation at Alamo Premier Mental Health by calling the office or booking online today. 

What are adjustment disorders?

Adjustment disorders are characterized by extreme reactions to stress. They involve negative emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns in response to stressful life events. These disorders can cause dysfunctional relationships and problems at work or in school. Treatment provides symptom relief, allowing you or your child to thrive. 

What are the symptoms of adjustment disorders?

Adjustment disorder symptoms can include:

• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Grief 
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Frequent crying
• Constantly worrying
• Trouble sleeping
• Appetite or weight changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety
• Irritability or agitation
• Reckless or impulsive behaviors
• Insomnia
• Headaches or body aches
• Social withdrawal
• Thoughts of suicide
• Substance misuse
• Avoiding paying bills and other important tasks

The symptoms caused by an adjustment disorder begin within three months of a stressful life event. They often improve after the stressor disappears. 

What are the risk factors for adjustment disorders?

Adjustment disorder risk factors can include:

• Genetics
• Dramatic life changes
• Certain temperaments
• Stressors
• Being bullied
• Divorce
• Marriage problems
• Trouble getting along with other people
• Having a new baby
• Moving away
• Job loss or money problems
• Work or school-related concerns
• Medical illnesses
• Living in a high-crime neighborhood
• Military combat
• Being assaulted
• Natural disasters
• Car accidents
• Loss of a loved one
• Mental health conditions

Major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions may also increase your risk of an adjustment disorder.

How are adjustment disorders diagnosed?

Your Alamo Premier Mental Health provider completes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria to determine if you have an adjustment disorder or other mental health disorders. They evaluate your moods, thoughts, symptoms, emotions, lifestyle, and behaviors. 

They also offer DNA-based testing (pharmacogenetic testing) to learn which medications may be the most effective based on your genetic makeup. 

How are adjustment disorders treated?

Your personalized treatment plan for adjustment disorders may consist of:

• Lifestyle changes
• Stress reduction (yoga, meditation, massage, tai chi, acupuncture, etc.)
• Medication management
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Other forms of psychotherapy 
• Group therapy 
• Family therapy

Follow up with your Alamo Premier Mental Health provider as frequently as needed for therapy or medication management to ensure successful and lasting mental health outcomes.

It’s also important to stay active, get plenty of sleep, avoid drugs and alcohol, eat nutritious foods, and maintain a strong social support network.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth adjustment disorders evaluation at Alamo Premier Mental Health by calling the office or booking a visit online today.