Adjustment disorder
A disproportionate emotional or behavioural response to a specific, identifiable life stressor, generally addressed through short-term, focused counselling.
What it is
Difficulty coping with a specific identifiable life change or stressor (e.g. job loss, relocation, illness, relationship change), where the emotional or behavioural response is disproportionate to what would typically be expected but does not meet criteria for a more significant mood or anxiety disorder.
Common symptoms & concerns
- Low mood, anxiety, or a mix of both, clearly linked in time to an identifiable stressor
- Difficulty functioning at work, school, or in relationships following the stressor
- Symptoms disproportionate to the stressor but not meeting full criteria for major depression or an anxiety disorder
- Typical resolution within months once the stressor eases or adaptation occurs, with support
Assessment & care
Assessment approach
Assessment is brief and structured, confirming the presentation is stressor-linked rather than a more significant underlying condition before a short-term plan is set.
In-scope care
In-scope care includes short-term, focused counselling, with mind-body practices available where stress-related physical tension is prominent. Brief counselling addresses the coping and appraisal response directly, while mind-body practices reduce physiological stress load during the adjustment period.
Treatments used
Related questions
Adjustment disorder is a response to a specific identifiable stressor that is disproportionate to what would typically be expected, but doesn't meet the full criteria for major depression; if symptoms persist or worsen, the diagnosis is revisited.
It typically resolves within months once the stressor eases or the person adapts to it, particularly with short-term, focused support, though this varies by individual.
Usually not. This pathway is generally addressed through short-term, focused counselling rather than medication, though this is confirmed at assessment.