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Stressor-Related Disorders & Treatment
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Mental Health Surveillance Study, 6.9% percent of Americans suffered from adjustment disorders (i.e., stressor-related disorders) during the study’s 2008-2012 time period. The description below includes a brief overview of adjustment disorders and the specific type of treatment I am able to provide for people with an adjustment disorder. This information is provided for informational purposes only to help you better understand adjustment disorders, but is not to be used in place of a professional assessment and diagnosis.
If you feel you may be suffering from a mental health issue and are ready to get help, or even if you’re unsure if you need help and just want more information, please contact me today. If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, meaning likely to harm yourself or others, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Adjustment Disorders
Adjustment disorders, also known as stressor-related disorders, occur when a person develops emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor. Common symptoms include experiencing significant distress, having difficulty performing daily activities (e.g., work, school, socially, etc.), feeling sad, hopeless, anxious, nervous, depressed, etc. Common stressors include work, school, finances, relationships, death, divorce, break-ups, having children, moving, illness, etc. I treat adjustment disorders with Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is considered an effective treatment for adjustment disorders. Treatment for adjustment disorders typically involves learning to tolerate and cope with your stressors in a more effective way. Treatment may also incorporate skills to manage anxiety and/or depressive symptoms depending on the presenting symptoms.