Adjustment DIsorder

We are a virtual clinic licensed in Texas, New York, California, Washington, New Mexico, and Iowa, offering expert mental health services, including care for adjustment disorders, across these states.

Life is full of changes, both expected and unexpected, and sometimes these transitions can become overwhelming, leading to emotional distress and difficulty coping.

Adjustment disorder indicates a person’s inability to come over a stressful or painful event such as the death of a beloved person. It makes a person get anxious and lose concentration.

Click here to read more information on Adjustment Disorder by visiting the Information and Support page of Johns Hopkins Medicine.

What is Adjustment Disorder

Adjustment disorder is characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms that develop in response to a stressful life event. These symptoms typically appear within three months of the event and can feel overwhelming or out of proportion to the situation. While temporary, adjustment disorder can significantly interfere with your ability to function at home, at work, or in relationships. With the right support, most people recover and adjust well over time.

Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder

Symptoms can vary, but often include:

Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Anxiety, nervousness, or feeling overwhelmed
Irritability or anger
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Social withdrawal or isolation
Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
Physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue
Loss of interest in daily activities

If these symptoms interfere with your ability to cope with daily life, professional support can help you adjust in a healthy way

How We Diagnose Adjustment Disorder

Our diagnosis process starts with a virtual consultation to understand your symptoms, recent stressors, and how they are affecting your life. We take a supportive and non-judgmental approach to evaluating your emotional health, using clinical interviews and screening tools when appropriate. Identifying adjustment disorder early allows us to intervene quickly and create a plan that supports recovery and resilience.

How We Treat Adjustment Disorder

At Polished Mind Psychiatry, we provide personalized, evidence-based care to help you move forward with confidence and emotional clarity. Our treatment approach is designed to ease symptoms, improve coping skills, and support your overall mental well-being.

Your customized treatment plan may include:

Therapy and counseling to help you process emotions, build resilience, and learn practical tools for managing stress
Medication management when symptoms like anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances are significantly interfering with daily life
Psychoeducation to help you understand how your mind and body are responding to stress and how to regain control
Lifestyle support including strategies for improving sleep, self-care, and communication during periods of change
Ongoing check-ins to track progress and adjust the plan as needed

We are here to help you adapt and heal—so you can face life’s changes with strength and confidence.

GeneSight Testing for Adjustment Disorder

If you’re experiencing persistent emotional symptoms that haven’t responded well to past treatments, we may recommend GeneSight testing. This genetic test helps us understand how your body may respond to different psychiatric medications, allowing us to choose options that are better suited to your unique biology.