Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment Disorder is an abnormal and extreme reaction to a life stressor that can significantly impact a child’s social, emotional, behavioral, and academic functioning. Stressful events may include moving to a new home, attending a new school, divorce, or a death in the family. Because of the difficulty of coping with strong emotions, a child with Adjustment Disorder may develop symptoms of depression, anxiety, aggression, isolation, school avoidance, or sleep difficulties. Their academic performance may decline and personal relationships may be negatively affected. Keep in mind that sometimes children may not have developed the ability to manage uncontrollable change when it occurs; therefore, what may not seem like a difficult event to an adult may be the cause of extreme stress for a child as they have a different perspective and response.
What Is The Diagnostic Criteria For Adjustment Disorder According To The DSM-5?
A. The development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor(s) occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor(s).By banging or punching objects to the point that there is bruising or bleeding. An individual may also bang or punch their own body to the point of self-harm.
B. These symptoms or behaviors are clinically significant, as evidenced by one or both of the following:
B. These symptoms or behaviors are clinically significant, as evidenced by one or both of the following:
- Marked distress that is out of proportion to the severity or intensity of the stressor,
taking into account the external context and the cultural factors that might influence
symptom severity and presentation. - Significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
C. The stress-related disturbance does not meet the criteria for another mental disorder and is not merely an exacerbation of a preexisting mental disorder.
D. The symptoms do not represent normal bereavement.
E. Once the stressor or its consequences have terminated, the symptoms do not persist for more than an additional 6 months.
Treating Adjustment Disorders
Adjustment Disorder is an abnormal and extreme reaction to a life stressor that can significantly impact a child’s social, emotional, behavioral, and academic functioning. Stressful events may include moving to a new home, attending a new school, divorce, or a death in the family. Because of the difficulty of coping with strong emotions, a child with Adjustment Disorder may develop symptoms of depression, anxiety, aggression, isolation, school avoidance, or sleep difficulties. Their academic performance may decline and personal relationships may be negatively affected. Keep in mind that sometimes children may not have developed the ability to manage uncontrollable change when it occurs; therefore, what may not seem like a difficult event to an adult may be the cause of extreme stress for a child as they have a different perspective and response.
Adjustment Disorder is an abnormal and extreme reaction to a life stressor that can significantly impact a child’s social, emotional, behavioral, and academic functioning. Stressful events may include moving to a new home, attending a new school, divorce, or a death in the family. Because of the difficulty of coping with strong emotions, a child with Adjustment Disorder may develop symptoms of depression, anxiety, aggression, isolation, school avoidance, or sleep difficulties. Their academic performance may decline and personal relationships may be negatively affected. Keep in mind that sometimes children may not have developed the ability to manage uncontrollable change when it occurs; therefore, what may not seem like a difficult event to an adult may be the cause of extreme stress for a child as they have a different perspective and response.