What is an adjustment disorder in children?An adjustment disorder is an unhealthy emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressful event or change in a person’s life. The response happens within 3 months of the stressful event. Some events that may lead to this problem in a child or teen are: Show
What causes an adjustment disorder in a child?Adjustment disorders are a reaction to stress. There is not one direct cause. Children and teens differ in their personalities, past experiences, vulnerability, and coping skills. Where they are in their development and ability to deal with a stressor may also play a part in how they react. Stressors also vary in how long they last, how strong they are, and what effect they have. Which children are at risk for an adjustment disorder?Adjustment disorders happen at all ages and are quite common in children and teens. They happen equally in boys and girls. They happen in all cultures. But the stressors and signs may vary based on cultural influences. What are the symptoms of an adjustment disorder in a child?Children and teens have different symptoms of an adjustment disorder than adults. Children tend to have more behavioral symptoms, such as acting out. Adults have more depressive symptoms. Age differences also affect how long symptoms last, how strong they are, and what effect they have. In all adjustment disorders, the reaction to the stressor seems to be more than what is thought to be normal. Or the reaction greatly interferes with how the child functions day to day. There are 6 subtypes of adjustment disorder. They are based on the type of major symptoms a child may feel. Each child’s symptoms may vary. These are the most common symptoms of each subtype:
Symptoms of an adjustment disorder can look like other health problems or mental illnesses. Have your child see their healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is an adjustment disorder diagnosed in a child?A mental health expert such as a psychiatrist often makes the diagnosis after an evaluation. They talk with you, your partner, and your child. They will ask for a full history of your child’s development, life events, emotions, behaviors, school performance, and the stressful event. How is an adjustment disorder treated in a child?Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and health. It will also depend on how severe the disorder is. Treatment may include:
What can I do to prevent an adjustment disorder in my child?It’s not known how to prevent an adjustment disorder in a child. But spotting it early and getting expert help for your child can ease severe symptoms. Taking these steps can enhance a child’s normal growth and development. It can improve your child’s quality of life. How can I help my child live with an adjustment disorder?You can do these things to help your child:
When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?Call your child’s healthcare provider if your child has:
Key points about an adjustment disorder in children
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
What is an example of adjustment disorder?Some examples include: Feeling sad, hopeless or not enjoying things you used to enjoy. Frequent crying. Worrying or feeling anxious, nervous, jittery or stressed out.
What are three subtypes of adjustment disorder?Types of adjustment disorder. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood. ... . Adjustment disorder with anxiety. ... . Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. ... . Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct. ... . Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct. ... . Adjustment disorder unspecified.. What is the DSM 5 criteria for adjustment disorder?The DSM-5-TR criteria describes adjustment disorder as a development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor within three months of onset. The type of stressor may vary in significance for children and adolescents versus adults.
What is emotional adjustment disorder?Adjustment Disorders Overview
An adjustment disorder is an emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressful event or change in a person's life. The reaction is considered an unhealthy or excessive response to the event or change within three months of it happening.
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