Could You Have Adjustment Disorder/Stress Response Syndrome?

How It's Different

There are similarities in symptoms between some types of stress response syndrome and depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorder. However, the significant difference between stress response syndrome and other related mental illnesses is how long the symptoms last and the circumstances surrounding them. Stress response syndrome rarely lasts longer than six months, whereas other mental illnesses can be lifelong.

Additionally, stress response syndrome occurs following a specific life event or stressor, and other psychiatric disorders may arise for seemingly no reason at all. The stressor could also be a regular life event, not necessarily a traumatic or life-threatening one like the triggers of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Serious Symptoms To Watch For

Stress response syndrome identifies by a period of intense change in an individual's everyday personality, mood, and behavior. There is a wide range of symptoms that may accompany this disorder and these signs will vary from person to person. Depression-like symptoms such as intense sadness, hopelessness, isolation, and frequent crying are common. Anxiety, stress, and worry also increase. Physiological symptoms may occur, such as heart palpitations, stomach aches, trembling, sleeplessness, headaches, and drastic change in energy levels.

Behavioral changes include an increase of dangerous or risky behavior, changes in appetite, withdrawal from work, school, or social situations, and an increase in alcohol or drug usage. In more severe cases, individuals may experience suicidal thoughts or self-destructive impulses. Symptoms develop within three months of the onset of the stressor and typically do not last beyond six months after. However, some individuals experience chronic adjustment disorders when the stressor is ongoing.