What Is Adjustment Disorder and Do I Have It - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / What Is Adjustment Disorder and Do I Have It - Introvert Whisperer What Is Adjustment Disorder and Do I Have It? Kayla Matthews August 13, 2019 Adaptability No responses Go to top You have likely experienced a huge change at least once in your life. Whether positive or negative, change is an inevitable part of maturing and expanding your perspective of the world. As an introvert, change can be extra scary and overwhelming, but many introverts eventually adapt to the situation and carry on with life as usual. However, some have a difficult time adjusting to a strange environment, and this issue may prove more serious than slow adaptation. If youve recently gone through a significant change â€" such as moving or graduating â€" and you feel its impossible to overcome your emotional distress, you may have adjustment disorder. Luckily, its not hard to treat, and it often doesnt last longer than a few months, which means youll soon be on a path back to your regular life. What Is Adjustment Disorder? Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition that arises after a significant life event. Symptoms appear within three months of the stressor and are exclusively associated with it. The disorder usually resolves itself within six months of the events occurrence, although some people struggle with it longer than others. The incident causing adjustment disorder doesnt have to be a one-off situation, either. Ongoing stressors like poverty or an abusive home can encourage it and make it last for many months. Six types of adjustment disorder exist â€" Adjustment disorder with anxiety. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Adjustment disorder with anxiety or depressed mood. Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct. Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct and anxiety or depression. Unspecified adjustment disorder. Disturbance of conduct relates to behaviors such as reckless driving, stealing or engaging in physical fights. Doctors use the unspecified diagnosis when the individuals symptoms dont fit in other categories. An individual with unspecified adjustment disorder may have physical symptoms like insomnia, body pain and indigestion. How Will I Know I Have it? If you experience a major life event and are unable to cope even after utilizing stress management strategies, you could have adjustment disorder. For a doctor to diagnose you, they must determine your reaction as disproportionate to the severity of the stressor. For example â€" moving to a new city is stressful, but if it makes you so anxious, sad or angry that youre unable to complete daily tasks, this reaction likely exceeds the event. You may experience crying spells, bouts of anger, or urges to act impulsively. If you have other mental health conditions that affect your mood, you may be feeling the effects of these and not adjustment disorder. Adjustment disorder shares symptoms with many other mental health conditions, so your doctor needs to distinguish your symptoms to ensure they fit the criteria. Always check with your doctor for a professional opinion. How Can I Treat It? Although this disorder can take a severe toll, treatment is generally uncomplicated. Doctors approach it with talk therapy â€" also called psychotherapy â€" which occurs over a short- or long-term basis. Group therapy helps you connect with other like-minded people and builds a support system. Psychiatrists will sometimes prescribe antidepressants or anxiety-relieving medication, although these treat the symptoms and dont eliminate the disorder itself. You can also utilize self-help techniques such as online manuals if you dont have immediate access to a doctor. Keep a journal dedicated to your stressor and write down what you think and feel about it each day. Explore the situation from different perspectives and familiarize yourself with it. Attempting to ignore it or leave it in the past as soon as it blows over will only make it manifest in more detrimental ways down the road. Maintain your physical health by eating well and following a regular sleep schedule. If the change is positive but youre still unable to adjust, focus on its advantages rather than the disadvantages. Landing your dream job means having a stable source of income and doing what you love each day. Moving away from home offers you independence and new sights to see. Regain Your Stability If you have adjustment disorder, you dont have to deal with it alone â€" many resources exist for treatment. Seek out help if you need it, and remember to be kind to yourself. Needing help isnt a bad thing, and everyone benefits from a listening ear. 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