Sunday, 21 October 2012

Getting Over Adjustment Disorder Through Support Networks And Multi-Tiered Treatment

By Jamie Derivieres


Adjustment disorder causes difficult and often dangerous symptoms in those who have already suffered a major life stressor. A positive diagnosis is only given if the symptoms follow the stressor by less than three months. Its symptoms include sadness, a lack of interest in previous hobbies, hopelessness and lack of concentration. Depression, post traumatic stress syndrome and anxiety disorders do not fall within the diagnosis but can coexist with it.

The problem arises as a result of an inability to process and cope with a life event. It's sometimes called situational depression because of the similarities between the two problems. However, the difference between these two is that adjustment issues are the result of outside stressors whereas unipolar depression results from internal imbalances.

Patients who respond proportionately to a life stressor are not diagnosed with the problem. Those with it usually experience an improvement in their symptoms within six months of healthy adaptation. Patients are at risk for suicide so treatment is imperative.

Self harm and substance abuse commonly coexist with the diagnosis due to the increased risk. Adults have a far better prognosis than adolescents with the problem. Teenagers sometimes develop more prominent psychiatric diseases. Because of this risk, psychotherapy and medication need to be considered as treatments.

Patients need to work with a therapist to examine the stressor and work out whether it can be removed or resolved. However, the patient's interpretation of the event can be far more important than the event itself. It's thus necessary to interpret what the event means to patient.

Therapy needs to teach better coping skills and support groups can aid this process. Patient outcomes are much improved by better coping mechanisms. Support structures must be put in place that include support groups, family, friends, a psychologist, psychiatrist or GP. Psychiatry usually only treats adjustment disorder symptoms but sometimes antidepressants and alternative medications are needed by those with psychiatric comorbidities. Anxiolytics, antidepressants and sleeping tablets are helpful for symptomatic care when indicated.




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