At Chrysalis Psychology & Wellbeing, our psychologists in Hobart provide evidence-based support for people experiencing adjustment disorder and difficulty coping with life changes. We also offer telehealth psychology across Australia. Please contact us for more information.
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Something happened. A diagnosis. A job loss. A relationship that ended. A move to a new city. A retirement that felt like it should have been a relief. And for awhile, you told yourself you would adjust. Everyone does eventually.
But weeks pass,and then months, and the weight of it has not shifted in the way you expected. You are not functioning the way you used to. Small things feel disproportionately hard. You are not sleeping properly, or you cannot stop sleeping. If you have been searching for an adjustment disorder psychologist in Hobart, this is often where people begin.
Adjustment disorder is a clinical condition characterised by emotional or behavioural symptoms that develop in response to an identifiable stressor and are disproportionate to what would be expected given the nature of the event (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Estimates suggest adjustment disorder affects between 5 and 20 per cent of people presenting to outpatient mental health services, and it is one of the more commonly under-recognised diagnosesin clinical practice (Fernández et al., 2012).
Adjustment disorder is different from a normal stress response. All people experience stress and difficulty in response to challenging events, and this isexpected and appropriate. Adjustment disorder is diagnosed when the emotionalor behavioural response is significantly more intense or more impairing than would be expected, or when it persists beyond the point at which adjustment would normally occur.
Adjustment disorder is also distinct from depression and generalised anxiety disorder, though it may involve symptoms of both. The key distinguishing feature is that it develops directly in response to a specific, identifiable stressor and is expected to resolve when that stressor is removed or the person adjusts to it with appropriate support (American Psychiatric Association,2022).
Adjustment disorder may follow:
• A medical diagnosis, seriousillness, or significant change in health
• Job loss, redundancy, or asignificant change in work circumstances
• The end of a relationship ormarriage
• Bereavement, particularly of anunexpected or complex nature
• Retirement, which can involveloss of identity, structure, and purpose
• Relocation or significant lifetransition
• A trauma or frighteningevent that does not meet criteria for PTSD
• Major financial difficulty orhousing stress
Adults experiencing adjustment disorder frequently minimise the severity of what they are going through, often believing they should be coping better or that seeking support is an overre action. In reality, the way an event affects a particular person depends on many factors, including their history, support network, andthe meaning the event holds for their sense of identity and future. Two peoplecan experience similar events and have very different adjustment responses, andneither response is more valid than the other.
Early treatment leads to significantly better outcomes and may reduce the risk of adjustment disorder developing into a longer-term mental health condition (O’Donnell etal., 2019). At Chrysalis Psychology & Wellbeing, our team of psychologists in Hobart provide compassionate, practical support for people experiencing adjustment disorder and difficulty coping with change. Our telehealth psychology service is available for clients across Australia.
Adjustment disorder responds well to short-to-medium-term psychological treatment. Most people see significant improvement within a relatively brief period with theright support.
CognitiveBehavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns about the stressor and its implications, building more balanced and realistic appraisals of the situation and of your capacity to cope (Australian Psychological Society, 2024).
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT supports you to accept the things that cannot be changed, process difficult emotions without being controlled by them,and reconnect with the values and activities that give your life meaning.
Problem-solving therapy: Where there are practical dimensions to the stressor, we develop concrete strategies for managing what can be changed and building a sense ofagency.
Building socialand emotional support: We help you identify and strengthen support networks,and address any avoidance of connection that has developed as part of your adjustment response.
Your first session focuses on understanding the stressor, when it occurred, how you have been affected, and what your life looked like before. Treatment is typically focused and time-limited, with most people seeing meaningful improvement with in six to twelve sessions.
Sessions with ourpsychologists are available face-to-face at our Battery Point rooms in Hobart, Tasmania, and via telehealth for clients anywhere in Australia.
We accept Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plans, NDIS (self-managed and plan-managed), DVA, Open Arms, National Redress Scheme, and private health insurance. Self-referral is accepted and no referral is required to book.
How is adjustment disorder different fromnormal stress?
Everyone experiences stress in response to difficult events. Adjustment disorder is diagnosed when the emotional or behavioural response is significantly more intense or impairing than would typically be expected, or persists beyond the point at which adjustment would normally occur.
How long does treatment for adjustment disorder usually take?
Treatment is typically brief and focused. Many people see meaningful improvement within sixto twelve sessions, though this varies depending on the stressor and individual circumstances.
Can adjustment disorder turn intodepression or anxiety if untreated?
For some people, an unresolved adjustment response can develop into a more persistent depressive or anxiety disorder. Early support is associated with better outcomes and may reduce this risk.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist for adjustment disorder?
No referral isrequired to book an appointment, although a Mental Health Treatment Plan fromyour GP, Paediatrician, or Psychiatrist may entitle you to a Medicare rebate.
Is adjustment disorder covered by Medicareor NDIS or DVA?
Many clients access sessions through a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan. NDIS participants, DVA, Open Arms, National Redress Scheme clients, and those with private health cover may also be eligible, depending on individual circumstances.
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