Treatment of Adjustment Disorders

Treatment of adjustment disorders – support during stressful phases of life

What is an adjustment disorder?

An adjustment disorder arises as a psychological reaction to a stressful life event or a prolonged stressful situation—for example, separation, job loss, relocation, illness, conflict, or other profound changes. The emotional reaction is more severe or prolonged than would normally be expected and significantly impairs mental balance.

Typical symptoms of an adjustment disorder can be:

• Persistent sadness, irritability, nervousness
• Concentration problems, lack of motivation
• Brooding, worrying, sleep disturbances
• Withdrawal, overexertion, feeling of loss of control
• physical complaints without medical cause

Unlike other mental disorders, the cause of adjustment disorder is clearly identifiable. Symptoms usually appear within a month of the stressful event and can persist for weeks or months.

Goals of treatment

Therapy focuses on better understanding the stress, developing healthy coping strategies, and regaining emotional stability. The goal is not only to alleviate current symptoms but also to strengthen personal resilience for future challenges.

Typical therapy content can be:

• Relieving conversation and emotional processing of the trigger
• Promoting self-care and stress management
• Strengthening self-esteem and self-efficacy
• Identification and change of stressful thought and behavior patterns
• Promoting mindfulness and emotion regulation
• Development of concrete solution steps and everyday strategies
• Support in reorientation or decision-making

How does the therapy work?

Treatment begins with an initial consultation in which we discuss your current life situation and your symptoms. Together, we’ll determine whether your symptoms are an adjustment disorder or whether other causes need to be considered. Based on this, we’ll develop an individualized therapy plan tailored to your situation and your pace.

The duration of therapy varies – often just a few sessions are enough to achieve noticeable relief. If necessary, support can also be provided over a longer period.

When is therapeutic help useful?

• If the psychological stress persists for weeks or increases
• If you feel like you can’t get out
• When social contacts, everyday life or work increasingly suffer
• When physical symptoms occur for which no organic cause can be found
• When grief, anxiety or exhaustion intrude into your life and impair your quality of life

Important: An adjustment disorder is not a sign of weakness, but rather an indication that the current situation is overwhelming your existing coping strategies. Seeking help is an active step toward stability, clarity, and personal development.

If you are going through a stressful transition phase, I would be happy to support you professionally and sensitively in finding new perspectives and finding your way back to yourself.