Life is full of changes, and even positive ones can bring stress. An Adjustment Disorder occurs when the emotional or behavioral symptoms you experience in response to a specific life stressor—like a new job, a move, financial hardship, or relationship changes—are more intense than what would normally be expected. Therapy is a powerful tool for developing coping skills and building resilience during these challenging times.

Common Symptoms or Things to Look Out For:

• Emotional or behavioral symptoms developing within 3 months of an identifiable stressor.
• Distress that is out of proportion to the severity or intensity of the stressor.
• Significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
• Symptoms can include depressed mood, anxiety, or a disturbance of conduct.
• The stress-related disturbance does not meet the criteria for another mental disorder and is not merely an exacerbation of a preexisting one.