Adjustment difficulties. Navigate to find balance.

What is it?

Adjustment disorder is a stress-related condition that occurs when someone has difficulty coping with life challenges, such as a change in daily lifestyle or stressful event. While change is a normal part of life, for some people, the emotional impact can feel overwhelming, leading to intense distress, anxiety, or depression.

Prevalence and statistics?

• 2% to 8% of the population is affected by adjustment disorder at some point in their lives.

• Higher prevalence in adolescents, as they experience more social and academic stress.

• Up to 30% of individuals in therapy are diagnosed with adjustment disorder.

• Common in medical settings, affecting patients dealing with serious illnesses or injuries.

• More frequent in women, but men also experience it, often manifesting through anger or withdrawal.

How to identify?

1. Emotional Signs -

   • Persistent sadness, tearfulness, or hopelessness

   • Increased anxiety, excessive worry, or feeling overwhelmed

   • Mood swings, irritability, or difficulty finding motivation

   
   

2. Physical Signs -

   • Fatigue or low energy levels

   • Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or oversleeping

   • Changes in appetite, weight loss, or weight gain

   • Frequent headaches or body aches due to stress

3. Behavioral Signs -

   • Avoiding responsibilities, work, or school

   • Social withdrawal or isolating from family and friends

   • Engaging in risky behaviors like reckless driving or substance use

   
   

4. Cognitive Signs -

   • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

   • Negative thoughts about oneself or the future

   • Feeling detached, confused, or mentally foggy

   
   

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