Adjustment Disorder

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Adjustment disorders are more common than people realize. Millions of Americans have these disorders, which are characterized by excessive reactions to stress that involve negative thinking, emotions, and behavior. Symptoms depend on the type of adjustment disorder and vary from person to person.

Not everyone recognizes that they have an adjustment disorder because life is full of challenges, and it’s normal to feel sad or anxious from time to time. However, adjustment disorders involve more stress than would normally be expected. East Point Behavioral Health in Massachusetts understands these disorders and how to manage the symptoms so that individuals can go on and lead full lives. Fortunately, adjustment disorders respond well to talk therapy and medicines.

Adjustment Disorder

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Adjustment disorders are more common than people realize. Millions of Americans have these disorders, which are characterized by excessive reactions to stress that involve negative thinking, emotions, and behavior. Symptoms depend on the type of adjustment disorder and vary from person to person.

Not everyone recognizes that they have an adjustment disorder because life is full of challenges, and it’s normal to feel sad or anxious from time to time. However, adjustment disorders involve more stress than would normally be expected. East Point Behavioral Health in Massachusetts understands these disorders and how to manage the symptoms so that individuals can go on and lead full lives. Fortunately, adjustment disorders respond well to talk therapy and medicines.

What Is Adjustment Disorder?

Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms that arise in response to a specific stressor, such as a life change or challenging event. Unlike typical stress responses, the symptoms of adjustment disorder are intense enough to interfere with daily functioning and persist beyond what would be considered a normal adjustment period. Adjustment disorders differ from other conditions like major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder because they are long-term disorders; adjustment disorders are temporary.

Do I Qualify for Intensive Outpatient Services in Massachusetts?

At East Point Behavioral Health, we provide personalized mental health care in Massachusetts for adults aged 18 and older. Our Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) are ideal for those stepping down from inpatient hospitalization or seeking more structured support than traditional outpatient care. With a focus on immediate intervention and compassionate treatment, we ensure you receive the help you need when you need it most. Contact us today to take the first step toward mental health recovery.

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Female psychologist talking to young man during session.

Who Is Most Likely to Develop Adjustment Disorder?

Adjustment disorders can affect anyone, though some people are more at risk than others. Individuals who are going through a life transition or loss, such as divorce, job loss, retirement, or the death of a loved one, are at a heightened risk for adjustment disorder, especially if they lack coping strategies or support. Ongoing difficulties, like family conflict or financial issues, can also raise the risk of developing adjustment disorder. Additionally, individuals with a family history of mental health issues are often more susceptible to adjustment disorder.

What Causes Adjustment Disorder?

Major changes or stressors in one’s life are the cause of adjustment disorders. Usually, there is an identifiable trigger, such as losing a loved one or going through a divorce. Once this stress is worked through, the symptoms of adjustment disorder subside. However, genetics, life experiences, and temperament all play a role in how likely an adjustment disorder is to form in someone. Not everyone who goes through a stressful life event will experience this condition—it all depends on the individual.

Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder

The sooner a diagnosis is made, the easier it is to treat adjustment disorder. This is why recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial in seeking early intervention. Symptoms vary based on the disorder but generally fall into these categories: emotional symptoms, behavioral symptoms, and physical symptoms.

Emotional symptoms include sadness, anxiety, fear, hopelessness, feeling overwhelmed, and a loss of enjoyment in activities. Behavioral symptoms involve avoidance of responsibility, increased use of substances, reckless behavior, and social withdrawal. Physical symptoms are also possible and include difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and physical complaints like headaches or muscle pain. These symptoms can be severe and interfere with daily functioning.

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A group of people sitting in a circle with two therapists and a woman in the center discussing and providing emotional support for her The focus is on the woman but everyone is engaged in conversation
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Treating Adjustment Disorder in Massachusetts

When dealing with adjustment disorders, it’s important to know that you don’t have to wait out your symptoms and feel distressed for the time being. Receiving treatment allows you to feel better and have more control over your life, especially when other stressors come your way. Some of the most common treatment options for adjustment disorders are:
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
CBT focuses on how your thoughts, feelings, and behavioral reactions come together to cause negative emotional reactions. When you have negative thought patterns, they can be triggers for adjustment disorder. However, by transforming your thoughts into more positive ones, you can break this cycle.
DBT helps people with adjustment disorders handle their most intensive emotional or behavioral reactions. It combines mindfulness practices with CBT techniques to help regulate emotions, tolerate stressful events, and improve relationships.
MBCT takes elements from CBT and adds in mindfulness techniques, helping people with adjustment disorders become more aware of the present moment and ensure they’re not focused on past stressful events.
Adjustment disorders can cause trouble in family relationships, which is why family therapy is beneficial. This kind of therapy improves communication between loved ones and ensures that everyone’s points of views are heard.
In some cases, people with adjustment disorders benefit from medication to treat the symptoms they are experiencing, such as anxiety or depression. Medications should always be prescribed by a doctor and monitored to prevent self-medication.
In some cases, people with adjustment disorders benefit from medication to treat the symptoms they are experiencing, such as anxiety or depression. Medications should always be prescribed by a doctor and monitored to prevent self-medication.

The Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS)

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Many people with adjustment disorders turn to Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) to get the comprehensive treatment they require. East Point Behavioral Health in Massachusetts specializes in adjustment disorder and offers various types of treatment, led by qualified mental health professionals. The goal of these treatments and therapies is to work on the symptoms of adjustment disorder so that people can feel their best and function well in everyday society. Here are some of the benefits of attending IOS for adjustment disorder:

Specialized Care

Adjustment disorders are unique, and it’s important that the care you receive is tailored toward this condition. East Point Behavioral Health ensures that your treatment strategies work directly on the emotions and behaviors linked to stressful events that have happened or are happening in your life.

Flexible Schedule

One big advantage of IOS is that the programs are flexible and can accommodate just about any schedule. You will have the ability to work, attend school, or take care of your family while receiving specialized treatment services. Not only does this flexibility make treatment less overwhelming, but also it allows you to practice your newly learned skills in real world situations.

Consistent Monitoring

Our mental health experts will provide you with regular updates on your progress. Even though you won’t be in treatment 24/7, you will still be monitored. Our experts will conduct a systematic review that tracks your symptoms and their severity, along with your overall emotional well-being. This ensures that all symptoms, including new ones, are addressed.

Safe and Supportive

East Point Behavioral Health has a safe and supportive environment where you are able to express your emotions freely without fear of judgment. The people you will be working with can relate to what you are going through—some have experienced adjustment disorder themselves and can offer you empathy and understanding.

Gradual Transition

When you are able to work through the healing process in a safe and supportive setting, you can take your time and explore a combination of treatments to see what works for you. Our Massachusetts facility provides a structured framework where you’re able to recover in a way that makes sense for you. There is no set timeline for healing—it’s unique for every person and should never be rushed.
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Adjustment Disorder Treatment in Massachusetts

If you or a loved one could benefit from treatment for adjustment disorder, contact East Point Behavioral Health today. We treat adjustment disorders using evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Our experts are well-versed in adjustment disorders and how they can affect your life. Get in touch with us today to learn more about your condition and the best ways to move forward.