Teen Adjustment Disorder: Definition, Causes, and Treatment
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Teen adjustment disorder is a condition that involves excessive reactions to stressful situations. With this condition, the response to stress is often more intense than what would usually be expected. It may show up when your teenager is facing a significant transition or stressful situation, such as dealing with a breakup or moving to a new city. It can be overwhelming and make your teen feel lost, anxious, confused, or even depressed.
Nexus Teen Academy remains dedicated to helping teenagers recover from adjustment disorder. Since this condition often goes unnoticed or is mistaken for anxiety or depression, we utilize a comprehensive treatment approach to ensure your teen gets proper treatment and support.
In this article, we will walk you through what adjustment disorder in teens looks like, what causes it, and how to spot the signs. We will also discuss crucial treatment options and how best you can support your teen through treatment. If you are looking for immediate help for your teen’s adjustment disorder, contact our team today.
What Is Adjustment Disorder in Teens?
Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition that affects how your teen responds to significant stressors or life changes. It is more than just feeling stressed or upset, let’s take a closer look.
Clinical Definition
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), adjustment disorder involves behavioral or emotional symptoms in response to stress that occurs within three months of the onset of the stressor. These symptoms are always intense enough to cause distress inconsistent with the event’s severity. They can impair your teen’s academic, social, and other areas of functioning.
The symptoms of adjustment disorder in teens neither meet the criteria for another mental disorder nor represent normal bereavement. Typically, they disappear within six months after the stressful situation or after the consequences end.
Types of Teen Adjustment Disorder
There are six subtypes of adjustment disorder, and their symptoms often vary in adolescents. These include:
Teen adjustment disorder with depressed mood
Hopelessness
Tearfulness
Depressed mood
Teen adjustment disorder with anxiety
Separation from loved ones
Worry
Jitteriness
Nervousness
Teen adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct.
Violation of the rights of others
Truancy
Destruction of property
Fighting
Reckless driving
Common Misconceptions
Due to its nature, there are various misconceptions surrounding adjustment disorder in adolescents. These include:
Adjustment disorder is typical moodiness or teen drama caused by adolescence. This is false since this condition is a mental health disorder that differs from teenage mood swings. It is directly linked to a specific situation and causes a noticeable decline in functioning.
Another misconception is that adjustment disorder is similar to depression and anxiety in teens. Although they can share similar symptoms, such as worry or sadness, their causes are different. Whereas an adjustment disorder is triggered by an identifiable change or event, teen depression and anxiety may not have an apparent external cause.
It is crucial to understand these differences. Once you recognize that your teen’s response to stress is more than a phase, you can seek timely intervention and offer appropriate support.
Common Causes of Teen Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder usually starts when your teen experiences more stress than they can manage. This may be caused by significant life transitions or sudden stress. Some teens may struggle to adjust, while others will bounce back quickly.
Life Transitions and Environmental Stressors
Significant changes in your teen’s life can throw them off balance. Dealing with the separation of parents or divorce, starting a different school, or moving to a new state can be overwhelming for an adolescent. Sometimes, even happy moments like a parent’s remarriage or a new sibling can be stressful. Under such circumstances, your teen may feel out of control, isolated, or unsure of what to do.
Similarly, academic struggles may also trigger adjustment disorder in your teenager. Being cut from a school team, losing a scholarship, or declining grades can also interfere with your teen’s self-esteem, leading to chronic stress.
Family issues like financial stress or constant arguments can also affect your teen emotionally. Equally, serious illness or the loss of a loved one also brings deep emotional distress that will likely trigger adjustment disorder. These factors can disrupt the ability of your teen to function well at home, school, or with friends.
Sudden or Chronic Stress Events
Most of the time, teenagers face trauma or ongoing stress that wears them down. Some common examples include witnessing violence, emotional abuse, or bullying. Even losing a job as a parent may create enough pressure on your teen to cause lasting stress.
Even teenagers who seem happy and prosperous on the outside may be struggling on the inside. A full social calendar or high GPA does not necessarily mean your teen is fully protected from emotional overload. Still, research shows that long-term stress affects teenagers’ brain development and emotional regulation.
As a parent, it is best that you know and recognize these causes so that you can respond empathetically. Doing this also makes it easier to find proper support early before the symptoms worsen.
Signs and Symptoms of Teen Adjustment Disorder
Teen adjustment disorder can show in various ways. The symptoms often manifest within three months of a significant stressor and can affect your teen’s emotions, physical health, behavior, and cognitive functions.
Risky behaviors such as self-harm or substance abuse
Physical Symptoms
Headaches
Stomachaches
Unexplained pains or aches
Loss of appetite or overeating
Cognitive Symptoms
Difficulties in concentration
Poor decision-making
Loss of memory
Trouble focusing on tasks or making plans
Diagnosis and How Teen Adjustment Disorder Differs From Other Disorders
The symptoms of teen adjustment disorder mostly resemble those of other mental disorders. This makes identifying adjustment disorders challenging. However, with accurate diagnosis, the unique features of this condition may be recognized, and effective treatment may be administered.
The Diagnostic Process
While diagnosing teen adjustment disorder, a qualified mental health professional or an adolescent psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive interview with you and your teen. They will perform a detailed evaluation by reviewing your teen’s personal development history, emotions, behaviors, and life events. They will also assess the duration and severity of the symptoms your teen has to rule out other mental health conditions. This will help identify the specific stressor that triggers adjustment disorder in your teen.
Differentiating Teen Adjustment Disorder From Depression and Anxiety
Teen adjustment disorder shares some symptoms with anxiety and depression. These include irritability, worry, or sadness. However, teen adjustment disorder differs because it is associated with a specific external stressor. Moreover, whereas the symptoms of teen adjustment disorder mostly disappear after six months, those of depression and anxiety may persist beyond this period without any ongoing stressor.
During diagnosis, the healthcare professionals will ensure that the assessment clearly distinguishes these conditions. This is essential because it determines the treatment approach. For instance, adolescent adjustment disorder responds well to short-term therapies focusing on coping strategies.
On the other hand, depression and anxiety require more extensive treatment approaches. Therefore, early identification and intervention will help your teen manage the symptoms and prevent the development of other severe mental health conditions.
Treatment Options for Teen Adjustment Disorder
It is possible to treat teen adjustment disorder. Most treatment options focus on helping teenagers understand how they react to stress and develop healthy coping strategies. The common treatment approaches include:
Individual and Family Therapy
One of the widely used evidence-based therapeutic interventions for teen adjustment disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps your teen identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive ones. Through this approach, your teen will learn to manage their reactions to stressors. Eventually, they will develop better problem-solving skills and emotional regulation.
Family therapy is also essential. It specifically addresses the conflicts within the family that may cause or contribute to your teen’s stress. Through improved understanding and better communication, the family members can create a safer and more supportive environment for your teenager.
Coping Skills and Self-Regulation Tools
Teaching life skills and healthy coping strategies is central to treatment for teen adjustment disorder. Physical activity, a balanced diet, limited screen time, and proper sleep hygiene support emotional well-being and reduce stress risks.
Similarly, techniques like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and journaling can help your teen process their emotions appropriately. These techniques also reduce anxiety, which is often associated with teen adjustment disorder.
When Medication May Be Considered
On a case-by-case basis, medication may be prescribed for your teen to reduce severe symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Mood stabilizers like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are commonly used to help with mood stabilization.
However, it is essential to note that medication is preferred as a short-term solution. It is also most effective when combined with other interventions like therapy. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting your teen on medication. They will assess your teen’s condition and determine the most suitable treatment plan.
How Nexus Teen Academy Supports Teens with Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder can be overwhelming for you and your teen. When everything seems out of control, remember that you are not alone. At Nexus Teen Academy, we prioritize a balanced approach that helps your teen achieve emotional recovery and personal growth. Our teen mental health treatment program for teenagers is offered in a safe and structured environment that fosters healing and growth. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive treatment approach that helps teens manage stress and build healthy coping skills.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of adjustment disorder in your teen is the first step to supporting them. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact us and learn how we can help if you suspect your teen or someone you know struggles with teen adjustment disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Adjustment Disorder Affect A Teen’s Physical Health?
Teens with adjustment disorder often report somatic complaints like stomachaches, headaches, and fatigue. This is because emotional stress affects the body. For example, sadness or anxiety can upset digestion or cause muscle tension. Therefore, you should not ignore these symptoms but seek immediate professional help.
How Can Parents Support Their Teen During Treatment?
Create a calm and stable home environment where your teen feels safe expressing their feelings.
Listen to your teen to help them feel understood without rushing to fix things.
Encourage healthy habits like regular exercise, balanced screen time, and regular sleep.
Participate in therapy and communicate openly with your teen’s mental health providers.
Is Adjustment Disorder More Common In Certain Types Of Teens?
Adjustment disorder can affect teenagers. However, teens undergoing significant life changes are often at a higher risk. Teenagers with high-stress levels or those who lack family support and strong friendships may also struggle.
What Role Do Schools Play In Supporting Teens With Adjustment Disorder?
Counselors and teachers can spot early warning signs and provide emotional support.
Schools can offer accommodations like a quiet place to regroup or extended deadlines.
Open communication between teens, families, therapists, and school staff helps create a coordinated plan.
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC and nexus_admin
Teen Adjustment Disorder: Definition, Causes, and Treatment
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On August 16, 2025
Table of Contents
Teen adjustment disorder is a condition that involves excessive reactions to stressful situations. With this condition, the response to stress is often more intense than what would usually be expected. It may show up when your teenager is facing a significant transition or stressful situation, such as dealing with a breakup or moving to a new city. It can be overwhelming and make your teen feel lost, anxious, confused, or even depressed.
Nexus Teen Academy remains dedicated to helping teenagers recover from adjustment disorder. Since this condition often goes unnoticed or is mistaken for anxiety or depression, we utilize a comprehensive treatment approach to ensure your teen gets proper treatment and support.
In this article, we will walk you through what adjustment disorder in teens looks like, what causes it, and how to spot the signs. We will also discuss crucial treatment options and how best you can support your teen through treatment. If you are looking for immediate help for your teen’s adjustment disorder, contact our team today.
What Is Adjustment Disorder in Teens?
Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition that affects how your teen responds to significant stressors or life changes. It is more than just feeling stressed or upset, let’s take a closer look.
Clinical Definition
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), adjustment disorder involves behavioral or emotional symptoms in response to stress that occurs within three months of the onset of the stressor. These symptoms are always intense enough to cause distress inconsistent with the event’s severity. They can impair your teen’s academic, social, and other areas of functioning.
The symptoms of adjustment disorder in teens neither meet the criteria for another mental disorder nor represent normal bereavement. Typically, they disappear within six months after the stressful situation or after the consequences end.
Types of Teen Adjustment Disorder
There are six subtypes of adjustment disorder, and their symptoms often vary in adolescents. These include:
Teen adjustment disorder with depressed mood
Teen adjustment disorder with anxiety
Teen adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct.
Common Misconceptions
Due to its nature, there are various misconceptions surrounding adjustment disorder in adolescents. These include:
Adjustment disorder is typical moodiness or teen drama caused by adolescence. This is false since this condition is a mental health disorder that differs from teenage mood swings. It is directly linked to a specific situation and causes a noticeable decline in functioning.
Another misconception is that adjustment disorder is similar to depression and anxiety in teens. Although they can share similar symptoms, such as worry or sadness, their causes are different. Whereas an adjustment disorder is triggered by an identifiable change or event, teen depression and anxiety may not have an apparent external cause.
It is crucial to understand these differences. Once you recognize that your teen’s response to stress is more than a phase, you can seek timely intervention and offer appropriate support.
Common Causes of Teen Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder usually starts when your teen experiences more stress than they can manage. This may be caused by significant life transitions or sudden stress. Some teens may struggle to adjust, while others will bounce back quickly.
Life Transitions and Environmental Stressors
Significant changes in your teen’s life can throw them off balance. Dealing with the separation of parents or divorce, starting a different school, or moving to a new state can be overwhelming for an adolescent. Sometimes, even happy moments like a parent’s remarriage or a new sibling can be stressful. Under such circumstances, your teen may feel out of control, isolated, or unsure of what to do.
Similarly, academic struggles may also trigger adjustment disorder in your teenager. Being cut from a school team, losing a scholarship, or declining grades can also interfere with your teen’s self-esteem, leading to chronic stress.
Family issues like financial stress or constant arguments can also affect your teen emotionally. Equally, serious illness or the loss of a loved one also brings deep emotional distress that will likely trigger adjustment disorder. These factors can disrupt the ability of your teen to function well at home, school, or with friends.
Sudden or Chronic Stress Events
Most of the time, teenagers face trauma or ongoing stress that wears them down. Some common examples include witnessing violence, emotional abuse, or bullying. Even losing a job as a parent may create enough pressure on your teen to cause lasting stress.
Even teenagers who seem happy and prosperous on the outside may be struggling on the inside. A full social calendar or high GPA does not necessarily mean your teen is fully protected from emotional overload. Still, research shows that long-term stress affects teenagers’ brain development and emotional regulation.
As a parent, it is best that you know and recognize these causes so that you can respond empathetically. Doing this also makes it easier to find proper support early before the symptoms worsen.
Signs and Symptoms of Teen Adjustment Disorder
Teen adjustment disorder can show in various ways. The symptoms often manifest within three months of a significant stressor and can affect your teen’s emotions, physical health, behavior, and cognitive functions.
Emotional Symptoms
Behavioral and Social Changes
Physical Symptoms
Diagnosis and How Teen Adjustment Disorder Differs From Other Disorders
The symptoms of teen adjustment disorder mostly resemble those of other mental disorders. This makes identifying adjustment disorders challenging. However, with accurate diagnosis, the unique features of this condition may be recognized, and effective treatment may be administered.
The Diagnostic Process
While diagnosing teen adjustment disorder, a qualified mental health professional or an adolescent psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive interview with you and your teen. They will perform a detailed evaluation by reviewing your teen’s personal development history, emotions, behaviors, and life events. They will also assess the duration and severity of the symptoms your teen has to rule out other mental health conditions. This will help identify the specific stressor that triggers adjustment disorder in your teen.
Differentiating Teen Adjustment Disorder From Depression and Anxiety
Teen adjustment disorder shares some symptoms with anxiety and depression. These include irritability, worry, or sadness. However, teen adjustment disorder differs because it is associated with a specific external stressor. Moreover, whereas the symptoms of teen adjustment disorder mostly disappear after six months, those of depression and anxiety may persist beyond this period without any ongoing stressor.
During diagnosis, the healthcare professionals will ensure that the assessment clearly distinguishes these conditions. This is essential because it determines the treatment approach. For instance, adolescent adjustment disorder responds well to short-term therapies focusing on coping strategies.
On the other hand, depression and anxiety require more extensive treatment approaches. Therefore, early identification and intervention will help your teen manage the symptoms and prevent the development of other severe mental health conditions.
Treatment Options for Teen Adjustment Disorder
It is possible to treat teen adjustment disorder. Most treatment options focus on helping teenagers understand how they react to stress and develop healthy coping strategies. The common treatment approaches include:
Individual and Family Therapy
One of the widely used evidence-based therapeutic interventions for teen adjustment disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps your teen identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive ones. Through this approach, your teen will learn to manage their reactions to stressors. Eventually, they will develop better problem-solving skills and emotional regulation.
Family therapy is also essential. It specifically addresses the conflicts within the family that may cause or contribute to your teen’s stress. Through improved understanding and better communication, the family members can create a safer and more supportive environment for your teenager.
Coping Skills and Self-Regulation Tools
Teaching life skills and healthy coping strategies is central to treatment for teen adjustment disorder. Physical activity, a balanced diet, limited screen time, and proper sleep hygiene support emotional well-being and reduce stress risks.
Similarly, techniques like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and journaling can help your teen process their emotions appropriately. These techniques also reduce anxiety, which is often associated with teen adjustment disorder.
When Medication May Be Considered
On a case-by-case basis, medication may be prescribed for your teen to reduce severe symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Mood stabilizers like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are commonly used to help with mood stabilization.
However, it is essential to note that medication is preferred as a short-term solution. It is also most effective when combined with other interventions like therapy. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting your teen on medication. They will assess your teen’s condition and determine the most suitable treatment plan.
How Nexus Teen Academy Supports Teens with Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder can be overwhelming for you and your teen. When everything seems out of control, remember that you are not alone. At Nexus Teen Academy, we prioritize a balanced approach that helps your teen achieve emotional recovery and personal growth. Our teen mental health treatment program for teenagers is offered in a safe and structured environment that fosters healing and growth. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive treatment approach that helps teens manage stress and build healthy coping skills.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of adjustment disorder in your teen is the first step to supporting them. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact us and learn how we can help if you suspect your teen or someone you know struggles with teen adjustment disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Teens with adjustment disorder often report somatic complaints like stomachaches, headaches, and fatigue. This is because emotional stress affects the body. For example, sadness or anxiety can upset digestion or cause muscle tension. Therefore, you should not ignore these symptoms but seek immediate professional help.
Adjustment disorder can affect teenagers. However, teens undergoing significant life changes are often at a higher risk. Teenagers with high-stress levels or those who lack family support and strong friendships may also struggle.