11125 Rockville Pike, Suite 107
Rockville, MD 20852
(703) 552-2722
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
44031 Pipeline Plaza, Suite 210
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 552-2722
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
3331 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 552-2722
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
1430 K Street NW, Suite 102
Washington, DC 20005
(703) 552-2722
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
If you think you need support, whether that’s therapy, medication, or both, therapists and psychiatrists offer telehealth and in-person appointments.
Adjustment disorders—sometimes called stress response syndrome—occur when people have difficulty coping with a significant life change or stressful event. This condition can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, causing emotional and behavioral symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. Most people can adjust their thoughts and feelings when something stressful happens and “bounce back.” If you have an adjustment disorder, you may get “stuck” in your stress response and have a hard time feeling or acting like your usual self.
Common types of adjustment disorders include:
Excessive worry about things that haven't happened yet, feeling overwhelmed, or having a hard time sitting still and finding it tough to focus on school or work are all signs of adjustment disorder with anxiety. Children with this type of adjustment disorder often have separation anxiety—they feel really upset when they have to be apart from a loved one.
You may feel waves of sadness that make it hard to get through your daily routine, or you might feel hopeless and lose interest in activities you usually enjoy. Because of that, adjustment disorder is sometimes called "situational depression."
Having a mix of symptoms, such as feeling very worried and very sad at the same time, is a fairly common type of adjustment disorder.
Not all people with adjustment disorders experience these types of feelings when responding to a stressful event. In these cases, they're diagnosed with an unspecified adjustment disorder.
Treatment for adjustment disorders includes meeting with a therapist and, if necessary, taking prescription medications.
Talk therapy: One of our licensed mental health counselors can teach you new ways to solve problems and deal with your stress. A few weeks of therapy may give you many tools to help you feel better.
Medications: Prescription drugs aren’t always needed for adjustment disorder, and many kinds take weeks to start working. But if your symptoms are severe, your doctor may suggest anti-anxiety medication, antidepressants, or a drug that will help you get a good night’s rest.
Lifestyle changes: Your providers may also suggest making lifestyle changes to manage symptoms, such as exercising regularly, consuming a healthy diet, and practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation.
If you’re having difficulty dealing with symptoms of adjustment disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. Mental health professionals can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
At Washington Nutrition & Counseling Group™, we offer comprehensive care for individuals seeking mental health therapy. Our team of experienced professionals provides evidence-based treatments in a supportive and compassionate environment. Reach out to us today to take the first step towards better mental health and well-being.
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