adjustment disorder

is anyone going through an adjustment disorder? have any advice?

Hello & Welcome, Ben16!

Looooong ago, a doctor diagnosed me with an "adjustment disorder." Looking back on it, the diagnosis in my case was a kind of polite recognition I had depression symptoms but with a strong medical desire not to label me "depressed."

My shallow understanding is that doctors talk about adjustment disorders when they feel the person is having problems due to the stress of a situation that will resolve itself fairly quickly -- weeks, months. The prognosis is good the individual will return to their normal when the stressor goes away or they successfully adjust to the situation.

Whatever the official understanding may be, I'd treat an adjustment disorder diagnosis seriously. Research the issue as best you can and employ all the tools available to you to overcome it.

I agree. The only thing I know about my diagnosis right now is that I have been diagnosed with "adjustment disorder" (along with some other stuff, but anyway!) but it was for insurance purposes.

My Therapist alluded to the fact that it was easier to put that as a diagnosis starting out rather than a more specific diagnosis so that she could stay as obscure as possible for my insurance claim. (do companies discriminate on coverage for mental illnesses?)

So, I don't know where I am at but I would agree that some of my depression is due to something that has occurred within the last 8 months, so I don't know when it becomes "long term!" But I like what Rohag put as far as describing it, and it makes me feel a little better that it is not just a "fake" label, if that makes any sense.

It does feel really crappy though. Hope you find the answers, and take Rohag's advice, I am going to as well...

A diagnosis of adjustment disorder can be given because life circumstances are causing symptoms that may be similar to depression. This could be a divorce, job loss, a move, etc. Sometimes doctors will give it if they are still trying to rule out other diagnosis like depression or anxiety. Other times it may be given instead of giving a more stigmatizing diagnosis.
I wouldn't worry too much about the diagnosis as long as you are getting the services you need.