Adjustment Disorder

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By: Maricruz Dias 4/15/12

What is an Adjustment Disorder?

An adjustment disorder is a
psychological response to an identifiable stressor that causes significant emotional or behavioral symptoms that do not meet criteria for an anxiety disorder , PTSD or acute stress disorder.

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So basically

If something stressful enough happens to you the response your mind gives is this. People are diagnosed with this when it is not as severe as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) or Acute stress.

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Stressors

Very traumatic things could trigger this or something as common as breaking up with your boyfriend/girlfriend, changing schools or changing houses. It just depends on the person and their level of mental stability.

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Signs

Agitation Conduct Disturbances

Although the person may have these it is up to an expert to diagnose the person first.

Depressed mood Palpitations Physical complaints

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Trembling

Symptoms
(According to the DMS)

The development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor(s) occurring within three months of the onset of the stressor(s). These symptoms or behaviors are clinically significant as evidenced by either of the following:
marked 4/15/12

distress that is in excess of what

Treatment
Several treatment options are availableThe patient would get support and identify the stressor and why they have a certain response to the stressor.

Behavior therapy Family Therapy Self Help Groups

Individual Psychotherapy

Meds & Treatment- A combinations of drugs and therapy can also help. Medicine like anti anxiety and anti depressants have been known to help.
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Prevention
There is not a known way to prevent this although a strong family bond, and support from both family and friends help alleviate this.

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Extras
Even though I didnt find any famous cases or famous people with this disorder I did find a trend on some of the articles that I read. Many cancer patients and dialysis patients have been seen to show signs of this or have been diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder.

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Bibliography

Mental health, Mental Health and Adjustment Disorder, 2009 Dean Schuyler, Cognitive Therapy Disorder in Cancer Patients, July 2004, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3012613/

Kirsh KL, McGrew JH, Dugan M, Passik SD, Difficulties in screening for adjustment disorder, Part I: Use of existing screening instruments in cancer patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.. March 2004, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16594232 4/15/12