Medicines for Adjustment disorder

What it is

An adjustment disorder is a difficulty coping with a stressful life event or significant change, where the emotional or behavioural reaction is more intense, or lasts longer, than would usually be expected, and interferes with daily life. Triggers can include things like relationship breakdown, bereavement, job loss or difficulties, illness, moving home, or other major changes. Symptoms can include low mood, worry and anxiety, tearfulness, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope, and withdrawing from usual activities. It differs from depression or an anxiety disorder in being a reaction closely tied to an identifiable stress, and it usually begins soon after the event. It is common and understandable, and typically improves as the person adapts to the situation, though support can help this process and prevent it developing into a more persistent problem.

How it is treated

Adjustment disorder often improves with time and support as the person adjusts, so care focuses on support, practical help, and building coping. Talking about the difficulty — with a trusted person, or through counselling or a talking therapy — helps many people process the change and develop ways of coping. Practical support to address the stressful situation itself (for example help with a problem causing the stress) can be very effective. Self-care measures — maintaining routine, staying connected to others, physical activity, good sleep, and stress-management techniques — support recovery. Medication is not usually the main treatment but may occasionally help specific symptoms. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or develop into depression or an anxiety disorder, further assessment and treatment are arranged. The reassuring message is that most people recover as they adjust, especially with support.