Adjustment Disorders

What are adjustment disorders?

Adjustment disorders describe unhealthy emotional or behavioral reactions to a life change or other stressful event in a child’s life. Common examples of a stressful life event for a child can include:

• Relocation
• Loss of a pet
• Birth of a sibling
• Sudden illness
• Parental separation or divorce

The unhealthy reaction must occur within three months of the event to qualify as a symptom of an adjustment disorder. A child’s response to stress can depend on their age, personality, past experience, and coping skills.

Avant-Garde Behavioral Therapy offers therapeutic services for adolescents and teens with adjustment disorders. The team provides psychiatric evaluations to identify stressors and develop an individualized treatment plan to help your child better cope with their challenges.

What are the symptoms of adjustment disorders?

Children with an adjustment disorder experience an extreme reaction to stressors. These stressors can vary based on environmental influences, culture, and other factors.

Typically, adolescents exhibit more behavioral issues, such as fighting or breaking rules. Teens tend to experience psychological symptoms like depression.

Adjustment disorders can also cause:

• Anxiousness
• Hopelessness
• Withdrawal
• Excessive worry
• Fear of separation

Because adjustment disorder symptoms are similar to other psychiatric and medical conditions, you should schedule an evaluation for your child at Avant-Garde Behavioral Therapy if you notice your child’s behaviors changing.

How are adjustment disorders treated?

Avant-Garde Behavioral Therapy provides compassionate care for children with adjustment disorders based on the severity of their symptoms, overall health, and their age.

The goal of treating an adjustment disorder is to provide children with age-appropriate techniques to help them manage stress, control anger, and improve their communication and problem-solving skills.

Your child’s treatment plan may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Family therapy
• Skill development
• Medications

The team also provides parenting support, so you have the tools you need to help your child manage stress, change, and other circumstances that can trigger unwanted symptoms.

During each therapy session, the team monitors your child’s progress with treatment. They adjust medications as needed to balance your child’s moods and prevent anxiety and/or depression from getting worse.

Call Avant-Garde Behavioral Therapy today to schedule your child’s evaluation for adjustment disorders or book an appointment online.