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Adjustment Disorder

Adjustment Disorder services offered in Irvine Spectrum, Irvine, CA

Life moves quickly, and you’re sure to have experiences like grief, job losses, or the severing of relationships at some point. If you struggle to adjust to significant life changes, find support at Even Better Mood Clinic in Irvine, California. George Tun, MD, offers compassionate and comprehensive care to ease symptoms of adjustment disorder and prevent mental health complications. To learn more, schedule an in-office or telehealth consultation today by phone or online.

Adjustment Disorder Q & A

What is adjustment disorder?

Individuals with adjustment disorder go through the same stressful events as everyone else. However, along with these significant changes, they also have to manage heightened or distressing feelings in response. 

Any significant or stressful shift can trigger an adjustment disorder. For example:

  • Work or school problems
  • Severe illness or pain
  • Leaving home or moving to a new location
  • Changing jobs
  • Financial hardship
  • A breakdown in an important relationship

Instead of acclimating to these changes within a few weeks or months, an adjustment disorder causes the emotional and behavioral reactions to persist. This can worsen your stress and increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

 

How can I tell if I have an adjustment disorder?

Your situation will strongly influence your symptoms. However, typical issues include:

  • Intense sadness
  • Being unable to enjoy activities you usually love
  • Hopelessness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Frequent crying
  • Feeling nervous, anxious, and stressed
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Struggling to complete routine tasks
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Trouble concentrating or working
  • Avoiding normal responsibilities like paying bills

These symptoms typically appear within three months of the change that triggered them. You may see improvements after six months or still face challenges, particularly if the trigger (such as a job loss or grief) is ongoing.

To prevent symptoms from worsening, contact the Even Better Mood Clinic for support and treatment.

 

What can I expect from adjustment disorder treatment?

After a thorough psychiatric evaluation, you’ll receive a personalized care plan. This may include medication management and/or psychotherapy (talk therapy).

Therapy may be beneficial because discussing your life changes and responses can help you better understand why the disorder has developed. You also get the emotional support you need.

Learning to recognize and challenge negative thoughts enables you to change them into thoughts that work for you instead of against you. Your provider may prioritize coping skills and stress-management techniques. 

As you better manage everyday problems and feel less dread about the future, you’ll experience more self-confidence.

If you need additional help to address symptoms of depression and anxiety, your provider can prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.

Call the Even Better Mood Clinic office today or book an appointment online for expert adjustment disorder care.