ADJUSTMENT

DISORDER

ADJUSTMENT DISORDER
Created by:
1. Amni Aida Zahidah Bt Abdul Rani
D2618
2. Masyunira Bt Yunos
D2652
3. Nina Karina Bt Hamdan
D2666
4. Nor Syahira Bt Khairul Azam
D2683
5. Syazwani Bt Yaakub
D2800
6. Wan Faris Safwan Bin Wan Muda
D2804

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Define adjustment disorder.

State the clinical manifestation of
adjustment disorder.
State the causes of adjustment disorder.
State the risk factors of adjustment disorder.
Explain the prevention of adjustment
disorder.
State the treatment for adjustment disorder.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
7. Explain the management for adjustment
disorder.
8. Appreciate the knowledge on understanding
about adjustment disorder.

DEFINITION OF ADJUSTMENT DISORDER

A temporary

disorder of varying severity that occur as an

acute reaction to overwhelming stress in persons of any age
who have no apparent underlying mental disorders.
Symptoms include anxiety, withdrawal, depression,
impulsive outbursts, crying spells, attention-seeking
behavior, enuresis, loss of appetite, aches, pains, and
muscle spasms. It can be persistent if symptoms continue
for six months or more. It can develop in response to an
identifiable stressor and result from situations such as
separation of an infant from its mother, the birth of sibling,
loss or change of job, death of a loved one, or forced
retirement. Symptoms usually recede and eventually
disappear as stress diminishes . See also anxiety..
Mosby' book
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DEFINITION OF ADJUSTMENT DISORDER

An

adjustment disorder (AD) occurs when an individual is

unable to adjust to or cope with particular stressor, like a
major life event. Since people with this disorder normally
have symptoms that depressed people do, such as general
loss interest, feelings of hopelessness and crying, this
disorder is sometimes known as situational depression.
Unlike major depression the disorder is caused by outside
stressor and generally resolves once the individual is able
to adapt to situation.

The condition difference from anxiety disorder, which lack

the presence of a stressor, or post-traumatic stress disorder,
which usually are associated with a more intense stressor.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
Feeling of
hopelessness

Sadness, frequent
crying

Anxiety (nervousness)

Worry

Headaches or stomach
aches

Palpitations (an
unpleasant sensation of
irregular or forceful
beating of the heart)

Withdrawal or
isolation from people
and social activities

Absence from work or

school

Dangerous or
destructive behavior,
eg: fighting, reckless
driving and vandalism

Changes in appetite,
eg: loss of appetite or
overeating

Problems sleeping

Feeling tired or
without energy

Increase in the use of

alcohol or other drugs
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CAUSES
Events or changes that may cause
develop Adjustment Disorder
Marital Problems
Relationship Problems
Divorce
Family Conflict
Sexuality Issues
Health Problems

CAUSES
Death

of a loved one
Unexpected
Catastropes
Financial Problems
Work or School Changes
Major Life Changes
Ongoing Stressful Life
Events
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RISK FACTORS
AGE
POOR SOCIAL SKILLS
POOR COPING SKILLS
POOR SUPPORT SYSTEM
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GENETIC FACTOR
PAST EXPERIENCES
INTELLIGENCE
POOR EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

POOR LIFE FLEXIBILITY

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PREVENTION
Support

from family
Talk to healthcare
professional if you feel
stressed
Try to have flexibility
attitude regarding
your life
Think positively
Live a healthy lifestyle
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TREATMENT FOR
CLIENT WITH
ADJUSTMENT
DISORDER
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Treatments and drugs

There are two main types of treatment for adjustment
disorder psychotherapy and medications.
1.Psychotherapy
The

main treatment for adjustment disorders is psychotherapy, also called

Counseling or talk therapy.
You may attend :
Individual therapy between client with the doctor only.
Group therapy -allowing the person to discuss his or her concerns and feelings
with people who are coping with the same stress
Family therapy - where you will meet with a therapist along with your family
Therapy

can provide emotional support and help you get back to your normal

routine.
Therapy helps the person understand how the stressor has affected his or her life.
It also helps the person develop better coping skills
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2. Medications

Medication can help with such symptoms as depression, anxiety and suicidal
thoughts.

Common

drugs used:

Antidepressants

Anti-anxiety medications.

This

medicines may help if you are:

Nervous or anxious most of the time (anxiety problem)

Not sleeping very well(sleep disturbance)

Very sad or depressed.

Don't stop taking any medication without talking with your doctor first

If stopped suddenly, some medications, such as certain antidepressants, may

cause withdrawal symptoms.
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MANAGEMENT
Analyze

the stressors affecting the patient and

determine whether they can be eliminated or
minimized.
Clarify and interpret the meaning of the
stressor for the patient.
Reframe the meaning of the stressors
Maximize the patients coping skills
Help patients gain perspective on the stressor,
establish relationships, attend support groups,
and manage themselves and the stressor.
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THANK
YOU
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