Adjustment disorders

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Most people with adjustment disorder get better within six months and don't have long-term complications. However, people who also have another mental health disorder, a substance abuse problem or a chronic adjustment disorder are more likely to have long-term mental health problems, which may include:

  • Depression
  • Alcohol and drug addiction
  • Suicidal thoughts and behavior

Compared with adults, teenagers with adjustment disorder — especially chronic adjustment disorder marked by behavior problems — are at significantly increased risk of long-term problems. In addition to depression, substance abuse and suicidal behavior, teenagers with adjustment disorder are at risk of developing psychiatric illnesses such as:

  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Antisocial personality disorder
References
  1. Adjustment disorders. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Feb. 17, 2009.
  2. Strain JJ, et al. Adjustment disorders. In: Hales RE, et al., eds. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Feb. 17, 2009.
  3. Adjustment disorders. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/adjustment/Patient/page4. Accessed Feb. 17, 2009.
  4. Adjustment disorders. In: Sadock BJ, et al. Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Feb. 17, 2009.
  5. Ahmed SM, et al. Psychosocial influences on health. In: Rakel RE. Rakel: Textbook of Family Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/1209963843/0/1481/1.html?tocnode=53391787&fromURL=1.html. Accessed Feb. 17, 2009.
  6. Clarkin JF, et al. The role of psychiatric measures in assessment and treatment. In: Hales RE, et al., eds. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Feb. 17, 2009.
  7. Bray JH, et al. The family's influence on health. In: Rakel RE. Rakel: Textbook of Family Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/120920914-7/0/1481/25.html?tocnode=53391850&fromURL=25.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50005-1--cesec2_64. Accessed Feb. 17, 2009.

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March 20, 2009

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