Many people experience stress at some point in life. But when stress becomes too strong and leads to emotional or physical symptoms, a person may develop adjustment disorder with anxiety. This condition happens when someone has a hard time coping with a major change, event, or life challenge. The stress becomes overwhelming, and the person may feel anxious, worried, or unable to handle daily tasks.

Adjustment disorder is common and treatable. It can affect people of any age and can appear after both big and small life changes. This guide explains what adjustment disorder is, why it happens, how anxiety fits into the condition, and what options exist for care and support in Washington, including at We Level Up Washington.

What Is Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety?

Adjustment disorder with anxiety is a mental health condition that occurs when a stressful event causes strong emotional or physical symptoms. The person may feel more worried than usual, have trouble concentrating, or feel overwhelmed by fear or nervousness.

Examples of stressful events that may trigger the condition include:

• Ending a relationship
  
• Moving to a new place
  
• Losing a job
  
• Family conflict
  
• Health problems
  
• School or work pressure
  
• Financial stress
  
• Trauma or sudden changes
  

The emotional reaction is stronger than expected and interferes with daily life.

Adjustment disorder is sometimes grouped under stress disorders, which include conditions caused by life stressors or major changes.

Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety ICD-10

The adjustment disorder with anxiety ICD-10 code is F43.22.
ICD-10 is a medical system used to identify and classify mental health conditions around the world.

In simple words, F43.22 means:

• F = Mental or behavioral disorder
  
• 43 = Reaction to stress
  
• 22 = Adjustment disorder mainly showing anxiety symptoms
  

This code helps doctors understand the type of symptoms a person has and plan care.

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Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety

Symptoms can appear within three months after a stressful event. They may include:

• Constant worry
  
• Feeling tense
  
• Trouble relaxing
  
• Fear that something bad will happen
  
• Trouble sleeping
  
• Feeling shaky or restless
  
• Difficulty concentrating
  
• Irritability
  
• Feeling overwhelmed
  
• Physical symptoms (stomach tightness, headaches, fast heartbeat)
  

These symptoms can make daily life harder. Someone may have trouble working, studying, or keeping up with responsibilities.

Why Adjustment Disorder Happens

Adjustment disorder can happen to anyone. It does not mean the person is weak. It simply means the situation was too stressful for the mind and body to handle alone.

Common causes include:

1. Big Life Changes

Such as divorce, job loss, moving, parenthood, or illness.

2. Ongoing Stress

Money problems, work pressure, or school struggles.

3. Sudden Events

Accidents, loss of a loved one, or major medical news.

4. Emotional Overload

When too many things happen at once.

5. Lack of Support

Feeling alone or unsupported during difficult times.

Everyone copes with stress differently. Some people may feel anxious, while others may feel sad or angry.

Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct

Some people develop another form of the condition called adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct. This means the person has both emotional symptoms (like anxiety or sadness) and behavior changes.

Behavior changes may include:

• Irritability
  
• Anger outbursts
  
• Avoiding responsibilities
  
• Arguing more often
  
• Risky behavior
  
• Trouble following rules
  

This type of adjustment disorder may require extra inpatient support because emotions and behavior both need care.

How Anxiety Fits Into the Condition

Adjustment disorder with anxiety focuses on worry, tension, and fear. Anxiety may become the main emotional reaction to the stressful event. A person may constantly think about “what could go wrong” or feel nervous about normal situations.

Common patterns include:

• Overthinking
  
• Feeling on edge
  
• Expecting danger
  
• Trouble calming the mind
  
• Feeling frozen or overwhelmed
  
• Difficulty making decisions
  

When anxiety continues and makes life difficult, treatment can help.

How Stress Affects the Brain

Long-term stress changes how the brain and body work. Stress hormones rise, sleep becomes harder, and emotions feel heavier. These effects can make anxiety stronger.

Stress can also cause:

• Muscle tension
  
• Headaches
  
• Stomach problems
  
• Trouble breathing
  
• Low energy
  
• Mood swings
  

If these symptoms last, the body may struggle to return to normal, leading to adjustment disorder.

Can Stress Lead to Substance Use?

While adjustment disorder is a mental health condition, some people try to cope with stress by:

• Drinking alcohol
  
• Misusing medications
  
• Using drugs
  
• Overeating
  
• Withdrawing from others
  

These behaviors do not mean someone is “addicted,” but stress can push people toward unhealthy coping methods.

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Stress-related substance use may look like:

• Drinking to calm anxiety
  
• Using substances to sleep
  
• Using to escape problems
  
• Increasing use over time
  

This can make symptoms worse and lead to additional challenges. Treatment can help address both emotional stress and risky behaviors early.

Adjustment Disorder Treatment

Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms, building coping tools, and helping the person adjust to their situation in a healthy way.

Here are common types of adjustment disorder treatment:

1. Therapy

Therapy is the main treatment. It helps a person understand their stress, emotions, and behaviors.

Therapy may include:

• Stress management
  
• Anxiety reduction tools
  
• Thought patterns
  
• Problem-solving
  
• Coping strategies
  
• Relaxation training
  

2. Medication

Medication may help if anxiety is strong. Doctors may prescribe short-term medicines to reduce symptoms. Medication is not always needed but can be helpful.

3. Support Groups

Talking with others who understand can reduce loneliness and fear.

4. Lifestyle Changes

Healthy habits support emotional balance:

• Regular sleep
  
• Eating well
  
• Moving the body
  
• Reducing caffeine
  
• Setting limits
  
• Practicing mindfulness
  

5. Family Support

Family involvement often helps with recovery. It builds communication, understanding, and safety.

Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety Treatment Plan (Sample)

A real adjustment disorder with anxiety treatment plan is customized to the person. But a simple example looks like this:

Goal: Reduce anxiety and improve daily functioning

Timeline: 6–12 weeks of consistent care

Plan Components:

1. Therapy once or twice a week
   
2. Learn coping skills like grounding, breathing, journaling
   
3. Build healthy routines (sleep, meals, activity)
   
4. Identify triggers and practice responses
   
5. Emotional regulation training
   
6. Optional medication for anxiety
   
7. Family or partner sessions if needed
   
8. Aftercare plan for long-term wellness
   

This plan helps the person return to emotional balance.

Coping Skills for Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety

Here are simple coping skills for depression and anxiety that help during stressful times:

• Slow deep breathing
  
• Writing your thoughts
  
• Light movement or stretching
  
• Brief walks
  
• Using grounding techniques (“name 5 things you see”)
  
• Limiting screen time
  
• Drinking water
  
• Setting small goals
  
• Reaching out to someone you trust
  
• Practicing self-kindness
  

These skills help reduce overwhelm and bring the body back to a calmer state.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional support may be needed when:

• Symptoms last more than a few weeks
  
• Anxiety interferes with daily tasks
  
• Sleep becomes disturbed
  
• Emotions feel uncontrollable
  
• Substance use increases
  
• You withdraw from others
  
• You feel unsafe
  

Getting help early makes recovery easier.

How We Level Up Washington Helps

We Level Up Washington offers mental health support for people experiencing strong stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. Their program focuses on behavioral health treatment, coping skills, and emotional stabilization.

Care may include:

• Daily therapy
  
• Group support
  
• Skill-building
  
• Emotional regulation
  
• Crisis stabilization
  
• Wellness routines
  
• Aftercare planning
  

The center provides a safe environment for clients who feel stuck or unable to cope alone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Take the First Step Toward Support

If you are struggling with strong anxiety, stress, or emotional overwhelm, help is available. We Level Up Washington provides a safe place to learn coping skills, stabilize emotions, and regain balance. You do not have to cope alone.