Adjustment Disorder In Child: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
Identifying the triggers is the key to helping children overcome adjustment issues.
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In This Article
When a child exhibits an unhealthy behavioral or emotional reaction to a sudden change in life or distressing event, it is called an adjustment disorder. Adjustment disorders in children can last for long periods and cause fairly noticeable changes in the child’s demeanor.
Every child is different, and so are the symptoms they display when facing adjustment issues. Yet, an unhealthy change in behavior is most often a reliable indicator. Most children show signs of adjustment issues within three months of the stressful event/change (1) (2).
Keep reading to know about the types, risks, causes, symptoms, treatment, and effective prevention of adjustment disorders in children.
Symptoms Of Adjustment Disorder
Some common signs and symptoms of adjustment disorder in children are (1):
- Trouble sleeping
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Avoiding school, family, and friends
- Crying more than usual
- Fighting with peers and family members
- Irritability
These symptoms interfere with the child’s daily life and routine.
Types Of Adjustment Disorder
There are six subtypes of adjustment disorder classified based on the symptoms a child experiences (3).
Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
- Depression
- Tearful
- Feeling hopeless
Adjustment disorder with anxiety
- Worry
- Nervousness
- Feeling jittery
- Excessive fear of separation from people they are highly attached to
Adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood
Show symptoms of both anxiety and depression
Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct
- Encroachment of others’ rights
- Violating the rules and norms of society, such as destructing property, fighting, reckless behaviour, vandalism, and stealing
Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct
Shows a combination of symptoms from all the above subtypes
Adjustment disorder unspecified
The symptoms do not fit into any subtypes mentioned above. However, the reactions to identifiable triggering events may include and inhibitions to the usual activities.
The above symptoms may also be experienced in some other medical conditions. Your child’s healthcare provider will help you arrive at the correct diagnosis.
Causes Of Adjustment Disorder In Children
Adjustment disorders are a reaction to some outside triggers or stressors. The reaction may differ based on how long the stressors last, how strong they are, and their effect on the child (3). Also, each child may have varying susceptibility, state of mind, and coping skills. Therefore, it is impossible to pinpoint the cause of adjustment disorder (2).
Some examples of stressors for adjustment disorders in children are:
- Parental separation
- Frequent relocating
- Natural disasters, such as earthquakes or tsunamis
- Diagnosis of a serious disease in parents or siblings
- Death or loss of a pet
- Problems at school
- Conflicts in the family
- Sexuality issues
- Experiencing, witnessing, or being involved in violence
Incidence and prevalence of adjustment disorders in children (3).
- Happen equally in males and females.
- Might happen in all cultures, but the triggers and signs may differ due to cultural influences.
- Occur in all age groups, but the characteristics vary from children to adolescents.
Diagnosis Of Adjustment Disorder In Children
A qualified mental health professional will do a detailed psychiatric analysis and talk to the child and parents. The doctor will also ask for a detailed history of how and when the negative emotions began to develop and identify the root cause.
Treatment For Adjustment Disorder In Children
The treatment depends on the child’s age, general health, medical history, the severity of the symptoms, subtype, expectations from the treatment, and tolerance towards treatments.
The treatment options for adjustment disorders may include (3) (4).
- Individual psychotherapy using cognitive-behavioural approaches
Cognitive behavior therapy helps in improving age-appropriate skills on problem-solving, communication, impulse control, anger control, and stress management.
- Family therapy
It focuses on improving interaction and communication skills within the family. The therapy also helps in strengthening the mutual support amongst the family members.
- Group therapy
It focuses on developing social and interpersonal skills.
- Medications
Medicines have a limited role to play in the treatment of adjustment disorders. However, the doctor may prescribe a particular medicine based on how a particular symptom responds to the medicine.
Prevention Of Adjustment Disorder In Children
Prevention is not possible as the exact cause is unknown. However, early diagnosis and intervention can help in reducing the severity of symptoms. It also helps in normal growth and development and improves the child’s quality of life (3).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is adjustment disorder a serious mental illness?
Adjustment disorder is not a serious mental illness. It is a response to a stressful event and may happen at any age, although more common in adolescence and adulthood. Children may experience it if they face stressful situations at home or school. The symptoms may diminish as the stress goes away, and most children can overcome it without medications (5).
2. Is adjustment disorder hereditary?
Although adjustment disorder is triggered by an outside stressor, the genetic makeup of a child may contribute to its development (6).
3. What is the difference between adjustment disorder and generalized anxiety disorder?
Adjustment disorder is triggered by stressful conditions and may resolve as the stress goes away. Most often, it becomes better within six months. However, generalized anxiety disorder does not have a specific stressor, and the condition may continue for a long time (7).
4. Is adjustment disorder the same as post-traumatic stress disorder?
Adjustment disorder is a strong reaction to a non-threatening situation that may cause stress in children. Children mostly experience sadness or worry in this condition. However, post-traumatic stress disorder is a strong reaction to a life-threatening event such as violence, accidents, sexual assault, or natural disasters. Children experience fear mostly when recalling these experiences (8).
Older kids with untreated adjustment disorders are at a higher risk of developing depression, chronic anxiety, substance abuse, etc. (5). If you suspect your child with an adjustment disorder, discuss their behaviour with other caregivers such as coaches, teachers, or daycare providers. An accidental event or stressful episode at the child’s school might trigger, and you may be unaware of it.
Key Pointers
- When a child shows unusual emotional reactions to life changes, it is called adjustment disorder in children.
- Sleep troubles, depression, and anxiety are some symptoms of this disorder.
- This disorder may occur due to parental separation, natural disasters, family conflicts, or other reasons.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and medications are some treatment options for adjustment disorder in children.
References
- Quick Guide to Adjustment Disorders
https://childmind.org/guide/adjustment-disorders-in-children-quick-guide/ - ADJUSTMENT DISORDERS
http://vcoy.virginia.gov/documents/collection/Adjustment%20Disorders_1.pdf - Adjustment Disorders
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adjustment-disorders - Adjustment Disorders | Diagnosis & Treatment
https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/a/adjustment-disorders/treatments - What are adjustment disorders?
https://childmind.org/guide/adjustment-disorders-in-children-quick-guide/ - Is adjustment disorder a serious mental illness?
https://smiadviser.org/knowledge_post/is-adjustment-disorder-a-serious-mental-illness - Adjustment Disorder.
https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=96451 - Adjustment Disorder.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21760-adjustment-disorder - What Are Adjustment Disorders?
https://childmind.org/article/what-are-adjustment-disorders/
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