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Adjustment disorder (trouble coping with a life change)

Also called: Adjustment disorder, trouble coping with a life change

Strong stress, sadness, or worry after a big life change like a breakup, job loss, move, or illness, more than expected or lasting longer. Support and short-term therapy help.

StartsWithin 3 months of a change
Usually lastsUnder 6 months
TreatmentTalk therapy

Overview

It can cause sleep trouble, crying, irritability, or trouble at work or school.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Trouble coping after a life change
  • Struggling to cope after a big life change

Less common

  • Sadness
  • Worry
  • Trouble sleeping

When to get medical care

Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911.
Get care todayCan't function day to day.
See a doctor soonStruggling for more than a few weeks.

Causes

A big life change.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Little support

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A clinician talks with you.

Questions you may be asked

  • Recent changes

Treatment

Take care of yourself.

Self-care

  • Talk with people you trust
  • Keep routines
  • Exercise
  • Limit alcohol

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Lean on support

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a psychiatrist (for medicine) and a psychologist or licensed therapist (for talk therapy).

Living with it

  • Keep a regular sleep, meal, and activity routine.
  • Tell one trusted person how you're doing, and plan who to call on hard days.
  • Limit alcohol and drugs. They often make symptoms worse.
  • In a crisis, call or text 988 any time.
  • Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people can keep working or going to school.
  • Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.
  • The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may let you take unpaid time off for treatment without losing your job.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Teens: Common after family changes.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Many mental health medicines are used safely in pregnancy. Stopping suddenly can cause a relapse.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Mood problems can start during or after pregnancy. Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

  • Listen without judging, and let them know you care.
  • Encourage treatment, but don't force it unless they're in danger.
  • If they talk about suicide, call or text 988 with them.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Usually improves.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • How long does this usually last?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Adjustment disorder (trouble coping with a life change)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.