Adjustment disorder with anxiety is a mental health disorder that causes severe and potentially chronic symptoms.
Tens of millions of Americans struggle with mental illness annually. Nearly half of all adults will experience a mental health disorder or mental health symptoms in their lifetime.
Overall, the prevalence of mental health disorders among young adults and children has increased over the past 20 years. Additionally, the inclusion of suicide as a leading cause of death among Americans ages 10 to 34 demonstrates how common mental health issues are, especially among young people.
Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety
So, what is adjustment disorder with anxiety? It is a mental health disorder that occurs when you experience symptoms following a significant life event or stressor. To be diagnosed with adjustment disorder with anxiety, you must:
- Begin experiencing symptoms within 3 months of a major life event or stressor
- Have symptoms that interfere with your daily life
- Experience excessive stress in response to regular life events
- Not have another mental health condition causing the symptoms
- Experience anxiety-related symptoms, such as nervousness or separation anxiety
Adjustment disorder with anxiety can be acute or chronic. Acute adjustment disorder with anxiety occurs when you have symptoms for less than six months. Symptoms improve once the significant stressor is removed. Chronic or persistent adjustment disorder with anxiety occurs when you deal with symptoms that disrupt your daily life for six months, and longer.
Having poor coping skills or a lack of support can increase your chances of developing adjustment disorder with anxiety. Early treatment, and taking part in anxiety counseling programs, are essential to prevent adjustment disorder with anxiety from becoming chronic.
How Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety is Treated
Treatment for adjustment disorder with anxiety includes both evidence-based therapies and a holistic approach to therapies. Evidence-based treatments include things like cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy. When used together, cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy helps you identify and change negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which can help you control and manage your symptoms.
Individual counseling can provide you with a safe and supportive environment to express complicated or troubling thoughts or feelings, which can help you destress. Group and family counseling can also help you develop a strong support network and include friends, family members, and loved ones in your treatment.
An anxiety counseling program in Palm Beach Gardens FL can help you learn how to deal with stressors and triggers healthily and productively, which can decrease your symptoms. Holistic therapies, such as meditation and mindfulness exercises, can help you learn how to manage better and control your stress.
Reaching Out for Help Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with adjustment disorder with anxiety, finding help is the first step in your recovery journey. Treatment offers you the support, compassion, and guidance you need to recover. To find out more about our programs and your treatment options, call us today at (888) 894-4814.
