Introduction :-

• Life is full of adjustments right from birth till death
• An adjustment disorder is a short term maladaptive reaction to a clearly identifiable life stress that occurs within three months of the stressor’s onset.
• It is a pathological response to what a layperson may call a personal misfortune or a psychosocial stressor.
• The adjustment disorder is expected to recede soon after the stressor ceases or if the stressor persists a new level of adaptation is achieved.
• The response causes impairment in social or occupational functioning.

Extent of problem :-

• Adjustment disorders are quite common in adolescents.
• Single women are most at risk.

Causes :-

  Material problems,

  Financial problems (Seasonal business difficulties)

  Marital Problems

  Job related problems

  Health problems

  Familial Problems like loss of parent(s)

Individual Adjustment Disorder :

Happens when the Patient is

• Victim of a crime.
• Having a physical illness.
• Beginning School,
• Leaving Home
• Getting Married,
• Becoming a Parent
• Failing to Achieve Occupational Goals
• Having one’s Last Child Leave Home
• Retiring

Group Adjustment Disorder Occurs in :-

• Natural Disasters
• Racial Discrimination

A mother who adapts to the infants needs and provides enough support, enables the growing child to tolerate the frustrations of life.

COURSE AND PROGNOSIS :-

• Most patients return to their previous level of functioning within three months.
• Adolescents usually require a longer time.

CRISIS INTERVENTION :-

A brief type of therapy crisis intervention is aimed at helping the person with an adjustment disorder resolve the situation quickly by supportive techniques, suggestion, reassurance.

PHARMACOTHERAPY :-

Patient may respond to an antianxiety agent or to an antidepressant depending on the type of adjustment disorder.

Patients withdrawal or inhibited states may benefit from a short course of psycho stimulant medication