Adjustment disorder is state of depressive anxiety brought on by an extremely stressful event or a disorienting major life change. Adjustment disorder therapy generally consists of psychotherapy sessions or some other form of one on one counseling. Mental health professionals also recommend finding a support group for additional help. Adjustment disorder is considered to be a short term malady. Depression or anxiety lasting for more than six months may indicate a more serious condition.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, adjustment disorder lasts less than six months. Therapy usually does not involve the use of medication. In circumstances of extreme anxiety, a therapist may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs for a limited period of time but not more than a few weeks. Individual counseling to overcome the fears and depression resulting from the life change is the preferred method of therapy. The patient may also be encouraged to keep a journal about what triggers the stress or anxiety.
Generally, a full recovery from adjustment disorder occurs within a few months. Adjustment disorder therapy involves getting to the root of what is triggering the disorder and searching for solutions. The therapist will help the patient set goals and develop a plan of action to reduce the stress and anxiety of the current situation. Sometimes the therapist may determine that the patient’s family should be involved in at least one family counseling session once individual counseling has begun.
Part of adjustment disorder therapy involves encouraging the patient not to give up or to withdraw from daily life. The therapist may recommend that the patient increase contact with other people, particularly family and friends. The patient may also be advised to join a support group of individuals in similar circumstances. The therapist may determine that group therapy led by a trained psychotherapist is the most beneficial type of counseling in a particular case. This can be particularly helpful for patients who have received an AIDS or cancer diagnosis or experienced the breakup of a long term relationship.
Adjustment disorder therapy can also involve a daily regimen of physical activities that will aid the patient’s emotional state, such as keeping a regular sleep routine and developing a healthy diet. Getting regular physical activity like exercise or walking also reduces stress levels. The patient may also be encouraged to join clubs or engage in an enjoyable hobby to keep the mind focused on positive things.
If the patient suffering from adjustment disorder is an adolescent, the therapist will most likely involve the parents in the therapy. They might be asked to keep a close watch for changes in the child’s behaviors and any problems at school. Parents also may be instructed to reassure the child that her reactions to the current situation are common, and that lots of people undergo similar experiences.
