Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment Disorder symptoms are expected to disappear within 6 months after the causing stressor and/or its consequences have been removed. In the case of chronic adjustment disorder, the symptoms may linger beyond the six-month mark and in general they are related to ongoing persistent stressors like a chronic medical disability or enduring existential conditions.
Symptoms may vary, but are similar in that the reaction is worse or more excessive than expected to the stressor. In order for a diagnosis of adjustment disorder to be made, symptoms must interfere with an individual’s social or work functioning.
Symptoms include:
- Depressed mood, sadness
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Anxiety or worry
- Feeling of inability to cope
- Feeling of inability to plan ahead
- Feeling of inability to continue in present situation
- Some degree of disability in the performance of daily routine
- Conduct disorders
- Disturbance of other emotions and conduct