Types of Adjustment Disorders and Support Options

September 30, 2025

Authored by: Adam Moore, MPharm

Edited by: Emma Loker, B.S

In life, it’s rare for everything to go perfectly. Change is inevitable, and while something new can be exciting and positive for some, it may also be a stressful experience for others.

Change can come in many forms. Moving to a new city, losing a job, ending a relationship, or even shifting job roles can all shake up our routines. Yet, most of the time, people gradually adapt to these life transitions.

However, for many people, the stress that major life changes can bring may feel too heavy to cope with and could interfere with their day-to-day life. If you or someone you know has noticed a negative effect on emotions, thoughts, and behaviors after a significant change, these may be the signs of an adjustment disorder.¹

Adjustment disorders are not about weakness or “failing to cope.” Instead, they reflect how overwhelming certain life changes can be, especially when someone hasn’t accessed the right support.

However, the most appropriate treatment for adjustment disorders often comes down to the type that someone has. A mental health professional can help you get to the root of your symptoms and discuss the best treatment approaches for your needs.

This page can also help you better understand the types of adjustment disorders and support options, as it covers:

What adjustment disorders are
Common symptoms across all types of adjustment disorder
The different types of adjustment disorders
Coping strategies for adjustment disorders
Therapy and support options
How Mission Connection can help

What Are Adjustment Disorders?

Adjustment disorders are reactions, either emotional, behavioral, or sometimes physical, to life transitions or changes. In addition, these responses to stress are considered to be excessive, meaning they’re disproportionate to the situations at hand.²

Signs of an adjustment disorder typically show up within three months of the life event (often referred to as the “trigger”) happening and usually level out by the six-month mark. However, for some people, the disorder can persist and even become chronic or long-term – especially if effective treatment isn’t sought.

Different people can react to the same stressor in varying ways, but there are some common scenarios that might trigger an adjustment disorder, including:

- Divorce: Spouses, children, and teenagers may feel heightened anxiety after divorce or separation.
- Loss of employment: After being made redundant, someone might withdraw for some time from friends and family, and perhaps lose motivation to fulfil their usual obligations day to day.
- Moving home or city: Having to restart somewhere new could lead to feelings of hopelessness and isolation. Additionally, teens may act out or skip classes after moving to a new school.
- Loss of a loved one or pet: Understandably, the transition period after the loss of a loved one or beloved family pet could trigger overwhelm and feelings of grief that don’t shift with time.

While each of these scenarios could contribute to an adjustment disorder, a person’s symptoms may differ depending on their subtype. We get to the types of adjustment disorders shortly, but first, it can help to clarify how “normal” stress compares to that seen in adjustment disorders.

The Difference Between Typical Stress and Adjustment Disorders

You might be wondering what the difference is between adjustment disorders and everyday stress. Well, it’s all in how much someone’s reaction to the triggering event impacts their daily life – and how long this reaction lasts.

It’s natural to feel intense overwhelm or distress after a major life change. However, if someone continues to be overcome with emotion, demotivated, or sad for the long term, this is usually a key indicator of an adjustment disorder. What’s more, if symptoms get in the way of relationships, school, or work, then it’s usually more than just a rough patch.

The good news is that adjustment disorders are considered short-term and highly treatable mental health conditions. In fact, the research shows that with the right support, most people recover and learn coping tools to develop emotional resilience. As a result, future life changes don’t tend to have quite as big an impact on the person as they once did.³

Common Symptoms Across All Types of Adjustment Disorders

While each subtype of adjustment disorder has unique traits, many symptoms can overlap. These may include:¹⁰

Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
Sudden mood swings or irritability
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Withdrawal from social activities
Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
Physical complaints like fatigue or stomach issues

What makes an adjustment disorder stand out as a mental health condition is that the symptoms someone experiences come after a triggering life event. So, if someone’s emotions or behaviors change soon after a big transition, then the presence of an adjustment disorder is a possibility.

Types of Adjustment Disorders

From spending time with loved ones, friends, and colleagues, it may be easy to see that not everyone reacts to stress in the same way. So, to help target treatment plans to specific needs, adjustment disorders are categorized into different types.

These subtypes help healthcare professionals recognize patterns, better understand what someone is going through, and recommend the right support.

The six subtypes of adjustment disorders include the following.

1. Adjustment Disorder With Anxiety

Fortunately, there’s an increased awareness of anxiety nowadays. It’s characterized by feelings of intense worry, nervousness, dread, and restlessness. Also, disruptions to sleep and feeling “on edge” are common anxiety traits.

After a big transition makes daily life more challenging, some people may develop the adjustment disorder with anxiety subtype. A typical example could be someone starting a demanding new job, in which adjustment disorder with anxiety might show as constant worry about mistakes, even when performing well.

Studies show that ideal support for adjustment disorder with anxiety focuses on stress management therapy, relaxation techniques, and coping strategies like mindfulness or deep breathing.⁴

2. Adjustment Disorder With Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, characterized by sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation. Clearly, depression can be a challenge in itself, let alone when triggered by a major life change. Depression in an adjustment disorder can show as someone losing interest in activities they used to enjoy, crying more often, or appearing “numb” or indifferent. For example, adjustment disorder with depression could look like someone isolating after a break-up, choosing to withdraw from others for a long period of time.

Studies show that therapy and structured routines, such as scheduling enjoyable activities or setting daily goals, can lift mood and rebuild confidence in people with adjustment disorder and depression.⁵

3. Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depression

Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression is one of the most common subtypes. It combines worry and sadness, creating a cycle where anxious thoughts fuel low mood, and continuing to feel low can result in increased anxiety as day-to-day life becomes affected. Based on this description, it may be easy to see how people with mixed anxiety and depression may feel both restless and exhausted, or overwhelmed yet unmotivated. And at the same time, they’re coping with a life change.

An example of adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression would be a college student moving away from the family home for the first time. While settling into a new living situation, they might continue to feel anxious about the relocation, and also suffer from low mood as they experience homesickness.

Studies show that therapy for this subtype should ideally target both low mood and worry. In fact, mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) have been confirmed to be the most effective treatments for this type of adjustment disorder.6 We discuss CBT in more detail later.

4. Adjustment Disorder with Disturbance of Conduct

We’ve talked a lot about the emotions that can show up when someone adjusts to a big change, but what about how someone behaves as a reaction to these emotions? Sometimes, change can have such an impact on someone that they no longer act like their usual selves. This could mean acting out, becoming openly angry, or withdrawing from responsibilities. Teenagers, in particular, are more vulnerable to adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct. For example, as a result of distress, they may skip school, get into fights, or create trouble at school.

But it’s important to know that these actions aren’t just “bad behavior” – they often reflect a lack of coping skills for handling stress in healthy ways. Fortunately, research shows that CBT, family counseling, and structured routines are valuable in providing calm, healthy outlets for those who struggle with adjustment and conduct problems.⁷

5. Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct

Simply put, this type of adjustment disorder features both emotional struggles and problem behaviors. In fact, this subtype involves a mix of symptoms from all the adjustment disorders previously mentioned. In other words, someone may experience anxiety and depression, alongside conduct issues. For example, an employee passed over for promotion might feel sad and worthless, while also showing irritability at home.

Studies confirm that therapy that addresses both emotional healing and healthier behavior choices may be the best approach for this subtype.⁸

6. Unspecified Adjustment Disorder

Sometimes adjustment disorder symptoms don’t fit neatly into any category but still cause significant distress. This “unspecified” type might include social withdrawal, loss of productivity, or physical complaints like headaches without a medical cause. The most appropriate treatment for this subtype will depend on someone’s specific symptoms and circumstances.

Even if your symptoms don’t perfectly align with one type of adjustment disorder, it might be reassuring to know that studies confirm that treatment can be equally effective regardless.⁹

Coping Strategies for Adjustment Disorders

Even though adjustment disorders typically shift after the six-month mark, recovery shouldn’t be about “waiting it out.” With the right coping tools, people can manage symptoms and rebuild confidence – and prevent the disorder from getting worse.

The following are some practical coping strategies for managing adjustment disorders.

Practical Coping Tips:

Create a daily routine: Regular schedules can provide stability during uncertain times.¹¹For example, getting up at a fixed time, avoiding screens 30 minutes before bed, or setting aside time for daily exercise can go a long way toward feeling more grounded.
Exercise regularly: The link between movement and improved mood is widely studied.¹² Even committing to a daily walk can do wonders for a healthier outlook and mentality.
Stay connected: Withdrawing from social occasions when times get tough is common. But research confirms that talking with friends, family, or support groups can reduce isolation and boost wellbeing.¹³
Limit avoidance: When someone feels demotivated, it’s not unusual to avoid the challenges of life altogether. In this frame of mind, daily tasks can feel like an impossible mountain to climb. However, research shows that facing up to life’s challenges gradually – using small steps – is key to regaining motivation and resilience.¹⁴
Practice mindfulness: Simple breathing exercises or meditations can help calm racing thoughts.¹⁵Plus, mindfulness meditation is an opportunity to sit with your thoughts in a peaceful, distraction-free environment and process them as they flow in a passive, non-judgmental way.
Try journaling: Writing down worries or achievements may provide perspective.¹⁶Even writing three things you’re grateful for every day can go a long way to maintaining a positive, healthy outlook.

Self-care strategies can be powerful, but if symptoms last more than a few weeks or start disrupting daily life, then therapy may be needed to make a real difference. Professional support can offer structure, teach long-term skills for managing stress, and reduce the risk of relapsing into symptoms.¹⁷

Adjustment Disorder Therapy and Support Options

Treatment for adjustment disorders can be highly variable, depending on the type of adjustment disorder and how severe the symptoms are.

Common treatment approaches include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps challenge unhelpful thoughts and develop healthier coping patterns
Supportive counseling: Offers a safe space to talk and feel understood, easing the distress associated with change
Family therapy: Aims to strengthen communication and support within households
Stress management therapy: Teaches relaxation, problem-solving, and time management
Group therapy: Connects people with peers facing similar challenges, reducing isolation
Short-term medication: In some cases, medication may be used to treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, or sleep issues. However, therapy is usually the first-line approach.¹⁸

Community and Lifestyle Support

Beyond therapy, recovery could also be supported by lifestyle habits and accessible community resources, including:

- Peer and family support networks that provide encouragement
- Community wellness programs that offer tools like stress management workshops
- Online resources and mental health apps, such as those with guided meditations or coping tools
- Workplace wellness initiatives that reduce stigma and offer stress-reduction options

The Road to Recovery After Life Changes

One of the most important things to remember is that adjustment disorders are typically temporary. Fortunately, studies show that with the right mix of therapy, coping strategies, and support, most people see symptoms improve within a few months.¹⁹

However, it may be helpful to recognize that recovery doesn’t always mean going back to “the way things were.” Instead, it might mean finding a new balance; learning new skills, building resilience, and becoming more confident in handling whatever changes happen in the future.

Mission Connection: Here to Help Overcome Life’s Challenges

When life throws a curveball, we’re not always ready for it. But the good news is, we can become more resilient with the right help and support. Mission Connection’s dedicated, experienced team is on hand to support you, or someone you love, through the stress of an adjustment disorder.

We provide a variety of evidence-based options that can be tailored to your specific needs, whether you require immediate support or more long-term continued help. Our telehealth services also mean that you can fit therapy into your schedule flexibly, allowing you to receive care.

By also offering comprehensive medication monitoring alongside various therapies, Mission Connection can be a guiding light toward successful and sustained healing. If you’re ready to explore our treatment options, contact us today or complete our confidential contact form for more information.

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