Adjustment Disorder may manifest in troubled teenagers who react to a number of stressful occurrences or a particular stressful encounter. Anxiety and depression often accompany Adjustment Disorder. Difficulties in coping as well as problems with social skills may occur. Usually the disorder manifests within 3 months of the particular traumatic incident. The disorder should normally last up to six months, yet if the issues behind the Adjustment disorder are not addressed the disorder may last longer.

Adjustment disorder can actually have an effect on 1/20 of a population. It may particularly affect teenagers because of the stage of changes that they undergo during adolescence.

Adjustment Disorder actually splits off into 6 different kinds, each with their own major characteristics.

Your troubled teen may be diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder after extensive questioning which analyzes both the mental and physical history of your child. If the mental health professional detects any signs of the disorder, he or she will then proceed to discover the encounter which may be the root cause of possible stress.

If your teenager is diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder, individual or group therapy may be considered. Therapy may help unearth the main cause of stress. Also, support groups may be useful in order to help your teen get through adjustment.

Normally, medication would not be recommended for this disorder. If ever, medications to help one cope with anxiety, stress, or depression are only used for a prescribed amount of time. If medication is prescribed, normally it is to aid psychotherapy and not to substitute for it.

After going through the possible traits of a teen with Adjustment Disorder and you think that your teen may be afflicted with the disorder, there are a number of steps you may take. First of all, you should get a professional’s opinion. The family doctor would be a good source. Have your child take a complete physical exam. Go through your observations with the doctor.

You may ask him or her for a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience with Adjustment Disorder. Your teen’s school may actually be able to help you out. Possibly talk with a guidance counselor about the disorder and refer to their sources as well.

The following are professionals you may opt to talk to:

There are a number of programs that can be open to your troubled teen in dealing with his or her Adjustment Disorder. You may consider inpatient programs which require hospitalization, outpatient programs, treatment during the day, and residential programs as well.