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.


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.


Treating Adjustment Disorder in Massachusetts
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Family Therapy
Peer Group Therapy
Medication
The Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS)
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
Consistent Monitoring
Safe and Supportive
Gradual Transition
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.