Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Anxiety Statistics

Uncover the numbers behind anxiety as a disability. Global burden, work impairment, economic costs, and the co-occurrence with depression—discover the profound impact on individuals and society.

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Causes of Adjustment Anxiety Disorder

Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety is typically triggered by a stressful life event or a series of events. These events are often significant and can include:

1. Major life changes: Adjusting to major life changes such as divorce, the death of a loved one, relocation, job loss, retirement, or the end of a significant relationship can be overwhelming and contribute to the development of adjustment anxiety.
2. Personal or family health issues: Dealing with a serious illness or injury in oneself or a family member can lead to increased anxiety and adjustment difficulties.
3. Academic or work-related stress: Excessive pressure, high expectations, or challenging academic or work demands can contribute to the development of adjustment anxiety. This can include starting a new job, beginning college or university, or experiencing difficulties in the academic or professional setting.
4. Financial problems: Financial hardships, such as sudden loss of income, overwhelming debt, or bankruptcy, can create significant stress and trigger adjustment anxiety symptoms.
5. Relationship issues: Difficulties within interpersonal relationships, such as conflicts, breakups, or divorce, can be emotionally distressing and contribute to adjustment anxiety.
6. Traumatic events: Exposure to a traumatic event, such as natural disasters, accidents, or acts of violence, can lead to adjustment difficulties and anxiety symptoms.

Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood

Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood is a specific subtype of Adjustment Disorder. In this subtype, individuals experience both anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms in response to a stressful life event or situation. It is characterized by a combination of emotional and behavioral features associated with anxiety and depression.

The symptoms of Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood can include:

1. Anxiety symptoms: These may include excessive worry, feeling on edge, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances related to anxiety.
2. Depressive symptoms: These may include persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping, fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide.
3. Emotional instability: Individuals may experience frequent mood swings or a fluctuation between feelings of anxiety and depression. They may feel overwhelmed by negative emotions and struggle to find a sense of balance.
4. Social withdrawal: People with this subtype of adjustment disorder may isolate themselves from social activities and have difficulty engaging with others. They may feel detached or disconnected from their usual support systems.
5. Impaired daily functioning: The combination of anxiety and depressive symptoms can interfere with an individual’s ability to carry out their daily responsibilities at work, school, or home. They may struggle with concentration, decision-making, and completing tasks.

Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depression

Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depression is another subtype of Adjustment Disorder that encompasses symptoms of both anxiety and depression. In this subtype, individuals experience a combination of emotional and behavioral features associated with both anxiety and depression in response to a stressful life event or situation.

The symptoms of Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depression may include:

1. Anxiety symptoms: These can include excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, and a sense of impending doom or fear.
2. Depressive symptoms: These may include persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping, fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide.
3. Feelings of overwhelm: Individuals may feel overwhelmed by their anxiety and depression symptoms, finding it difficult to cope with daily stressors. They may experience a sense of helplessness or a feeling that things will never improve.
4. Emotional instability: Fluctuations between anxious and depressive states may occur, leading to emotional instability. These mood swings can further contribute to distress and difficulty in managing one’s emotions.
5. Impaired functioning: The combination of anxiety and depressive symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s ability to function in various areas of life, such as work, school, relationships, and self-care. Difficulties in concentration, decision-making, and maintaining social connections may arise.

Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depressed Mood

Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depressed Mood is a specific subtype of Adjustment Disorder. In this subtype, individuals experience symptoms of both anxiety and depressed mood in response to a stressful life event or situation. It combines the emotional and behavioral features associated with anxiety and depression.

The symptoms of Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depressed Mood may include:

1. Anxiety symptoms: These can include excessive worry, feeling on edge, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances related to anxiety.
2. Depressive symptoms: These may include persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping, fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide.
3. Emotional turmoil: Individuals may experience a combination of anxiety and depressed mood, leading to emotional instability. They may feel a sense of constant distress, fluctuating between anxious and depressive states.
4. Negative thinking patterns: Anxious and depressive symptoms can contribute to negative thinking patterns, such as self-criticism, pessimism, or a distorted perception of events. Individuals may have a negative outlook on the future and struggle to find joy or meaning.
5. Impaired functioning: The symptoms of anxiety and depressed mood can significantly impact an individual’s ability to function in various areas of life. This can include work or school performance difficulties, strained relationships, and decreased overall motivation and productivity.

Anxiety Treatment at We Level Up WA

Seeking professional help from a mental health provider can be beneficial in understanding the underlying causes and developing an appropriate treatment plan to address Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety. A mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis, assess the severity of the condition, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment may involve therapy, medication, or a combination of both, tailored to address the specific symptoms and needs of the individual. With proper support and treatment, individuals with Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depressed Mood can work towards improving their mental well-being and overall quality of life.

Contact We Level Up Washington mental health treatment center for more information. Our mental health specialists can help you explore treatment options and provide further resources.

Popular Adjustment Anxiety Disorder FAQs

Powerful Coping Skills for Anxiety. Top Mental Health Tips & Anxiety Tips Advice from a Therapist.

“Anxiety, when gone untreated, can increase over time. So here are four tips to calm your everyday anxiety. Take a breath. Do something that you enjoy. Remove yourself from the situation and go for a walk. Doing these four things gives you a better chance of calming your anxiety.”