Adjustment disorders are trauma and stressor-related mental conditions. The disorders develop due to adverse events, such as the death of a loved one, or common life-changing occurrences like changing jobs. Adjustment disorders involve grief or sadness that exceeds normal amounts following the stress-causing impactful event. A person with this type of disorder has faces challenges in coping with their altered life and may experience difficulty functioning in society.
Adjustment disorders, which are also called stress response syndrome, can affect any person following a life-changing event. The conditions can involve numerous symptoms, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Disturbance of conduct
The prevalence of these disorders fluctuates due to their presence depending on a traumatic or stressful occurrence. Adjustment disorders aren't known to develop independently of a significant event or change to one’s life. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) reports that between 5 and 20 percent of patients in outpatient mental health treatment have an adjustment disorder.
There is a difference between experiencing normal grief or sadness and having an adjustment disorder. However, identifying the presence of a mental condition can be difficult, which is why we have created this self-assessment.
Adjustment Disorder Test
The results from this adjustment disorder assessment cannot replace an official diagnosis from a medical professional. After taking the quiz, consider talking with a therapist about your symptoms. If you have used drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism for your adjustment disorder, The Recovery Village can help you begin treatment.
Please answer “yes” or “no” for each question.
Have you experienced a stressful or traumatic event or set of events within the last six months?
Have you had emotional or behavioral changes within three months following a stressful or traumatic event or events?
Has your reaction to an event been more negative than how most people react?
Have you experienced significant impairment in social functioning following an event?
Is your reaction to an event more severe or longer-lasting than usual?
Has your response to the event led to increased substance abuse as a coping mechanism?
Have friends or family members noticed a change in your behaviors or emotions following a stressor?
Have you contemplated suicide?
Is your stress-related disturbance unconnected to an ongoing mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety or another mood disorder?
Is your distress unrelated to any age-appropriate, cultural or religious norms?
Have you experienced difficulty functioning effectively at school or work due to your distress?
Have you experienced altered eating, sleeping or hygienic habits?
