Adjustment Disorder vs Normal Stress

Adjustment Disorder vs Normal Stress: Understanding the Key Differences

Everyone experiences stress, but not all stress is the same. Sometimes, an emotional reaction becomes overwhelming. It lasts for a long time for people and actively affects daily life. This points to Adjustment Disorder. Understanding the differences between stress and this condition becomes vital to recognise when professional help is required.

Understanding the Differences Between Adjustment Disorder and Normal Stress

Here is an overview of the differences between adjustment disorder and stress based on different factors:

1. Cause and Triggers

Stress, in general. It is the body’s response to pressure. It can arise from work or any other sudden changes. For most people, this stress is temporary.

In contrast, adjustment disorder is a maladaptive reaction to identifiable stressors causing clinically significant impairment. Their reaction is more intense than expected.

2. Duration and Severity

Normal stress passes after the stressful event is over. People return to their normal emotional state. However, with adjustment disorder, the symptoms persist. They can continue for months, especially if the stressor remains. It causes problems in work, relationships and school.

3. Symptoms

Stress causes physical and emotional symptoms. People may feel irritated, anxious and tired. But they still manage their responsibilities.

While with an adjustment disorder, the symptoms affect all areas of life. People may feel completely hopeless, withdraw from others or even act out. Here are a few common symptoms of adjustment disorder:

• Avoiding social contact
• Trouble in eating or sleeping
• Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope
• Crying spells and emotional outbursts
• Persistent sadness or anxiety

Diagnosis and Treatment of Adjustment Disorder

A mental health professional checks for adjustment disorder by talking with the affected person and identifying the potential life stressors. They also try to figure out the symptoms and how they affect everyday life. Treatment for this condition includes the following methods:

• Talk Therapy: It is also known as psychotherapy and is considered the main treatment for curing adjustment disorders. This form of therapy is a great means of providing emotional support.
• Medications: There are medications like anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants that may be prescribed to an affected person to help cure the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Stress

A diagnosis of stress focuses on an evaluation of the subjective experience of an individual and how it impacts their life.

There are no specific treatments for stress. However, there are ways to reduce its symptoms and signs. Here are a few ways they can be managed:

• Speaking to a general practitioner is helpful.
• Practising relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, going out for a walk, etc.

Adjustment disorder and stress may be related, but they have their fair share of distinct differences. However, it is better to seek out professional help if they obstruct the normal functioning of life.