Untreated Adjustment Disorder : Potential Long-Term Risks

Long-Term Risks of Untreated Adjustment Disorder

One of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders is Adjustment Disorder. Usually, it is considered typically time-limited (≤6 months after stressor ends), untreated cases can lead to chronic functional impairment and comorbid disorders (e.g., MDD, GAD).

Adjustment disorder takes place when an individual finds it difficult to cope with a significant life stressor or change. It affects their regular functioning and emotional well-being. If the condition is left untreated, it leads to complicated health issues.

Let us see what are the potential long-term risks of untreated Adjustment disorder.

What is Adjustment Disorder?

It is a strong behavioural or emotional reaction to stress and trauma. It means that people with adjustment disorder at times react to certain conditions more than when they are not triggered by the disorder.

They will feel overwhelmed, depressed, or hopeless or start to cry all of a sudden. As a consequence of their behaviour, they might react impulsively or recklessly.

A single or multiple events together can trigger this type of disorder. Depending on its intensity, the symptoms might disappear within 6 months.

What are the Risk Factors of Adjustment Disorder?

Adjustment disorder can happen to anyone at any age, especially among young people. The key risk factors of adjustment disorder are as follows:

1. Young people go through several life changes, and if they are unable to cope, these people develop adjustment disorder.
2. People who already have mental health issues like depression and anxiety tend to be at risk of adjustment disorder.
3. External factors like geographical locations where the overall stress level is high, like urban areas, also trigger adjustment disorder.  

What Happens if Adjustment Disorder is Left Untreated?

If you leave adjustment disorder untreated, it could lead to the following outcomes:

1. Major Depression

In case people with adjustment disorder do not get proper treatment, it might lead to more severe problems like extreme depression. This happens when the response to a stressful event gets intense and prolonged. The depression could trigger suicidal thoughts or suicidal ideation.

2. Alcohol Use Disorder

Untreated adjustment disorder can turn into alcohol use disorder or alcoholism. When individuals struggle to form a healthy coping mechanism, they become completely dependent on alcohol to function. Eventually, this puts not only their life but also the people surrounding them at risk.

3. Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Substance use disorder is a problematic condition that negatively affects the health and well-being of an individual. Individuals with SUD use substances like marijuana and opioids to cope with life stressors. 

There are different treatment plans available for people with adjustment disorder. One of the most effective treatment processes is psychotherapy or talk therapy. In this process, in presence of a therapist guides a patient and helps them to learn coping mechanisms.

They gain knowledge regarding problem-solving skills and anger management. As a consequence, with time, they learn to regulate their emotions properly. In cases of major depression, professional healthcare providers use medications to manage the symptoms.