Adjustment Disorder is a stress-response condition characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms that emerge within three months of an identifiable life change or stressor—such as relationship conflict, academic or occupational strain, illness, relocation, or loss. The reaction is out of proportion to the stressor’s impact and causes marked distress or functional impairment, but does not meet criteria for another mental disorder. Symptoms often resemble depression or anxiety and typically resolve within six months after the stressor or its consequences end. Treatment focuses on building coping skills, restoring equilibrium, and strengthening adaptive responses to future stress.
