Adaptation disorders are a subjective state of emotional disturbance and severe stress, which occur when adapting to new life situations, or after unpleasant, stressful events.
Symptoms and course adaptation disorders
Adaptation dis orders are often mistaken for depression by outsiders, which leads to the fear of an incipient mental illness.
Adaptation disorders are a natural reaction to stress. Symptoms of adaptation disorders are anxiety, worry, feelings of inadequacy, inability to cope with a new situation, depressed mood, problems in daily functioning. Transient sleep disturbances and decreased appetite are also common.
Adaptation disorder is slightly different in children and adolescents. In children, the symptoms of this disorder are manifestations of regression (i.e. "regressing in development") - a return to bedwetting, a childish way of speaking, finger sucking. As a rule, adolescents may behave in an aggressive or antisocial manner (quarrelling, stealing, truancy, etc.) in difficult, stressful situations.
When to go to the doctor and treating adaptation disorders?
Often the adaptation disorder passes without any psychiatric or psychological intervention. However, if the symptoms have an intense, disruptive and protracted course, the psychiatrist is likely to start treatment with medication tailored to the type of symptoms. Psychological support - maintenance therapy - is also helpful.
