Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct

Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct is characterized by excessive reaction to a stressful life event which causes negative behavioral changes and impacts emotional stability. Most often, children under the age of 18 are more susceptible to symptoms of this diagnosis, but it can affect adults as well. Anytime a stressful life event occurs, it can cause anxiety, sadness or disruption of normal routine. When a person has trouble overcoming these symptoms and begins to act out or feel emotions which interfere with school, work, home or family life, adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct may be the cause.

Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct

Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct may result from any stressful change that impacts family life. Often, death of a loved one, divorce, loss of a home, move to another state or any significant change can result in mood swings or feelings of sadness. Some children and adults can overcome symptoms in a reasonable amount of time, while others find that their lives and feelings are impacted in a significantly negative way. Following is a brief list of symptoms that may be apparent when someone is experiencing adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct:

  • Distress caused by an stressful and life-changing event
  • Behavioral patterns are impacted in a substantially negative way
  • Enjoyable, healthy and fun activities no longer attract interest
  • Sadness, helplessness, hopelessness or symptoms of clinical depression
  • Anxiety, panic attacks, nervousness or problems with sleeping
  • Behavioral issues, such as acting out in a negative way at home, at school at work or in public
  • Potential arrest or school suspension for behavioral problems

Causes of Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct

The exact cause of adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct is not known. The apparent trigger is the stressful event that leads to symptoms, but the differences between people who are more emotionally resilient and those who are deeply affected by the reaction to the event remains a mystery. Research provides suggestions that biological, environmental and genetic factors may all play a role in the manifestation of symptoms. Susceptibility to mental illness can be passed down the family tree either through heredity or through behavioral reactions that may be learned as a child. Additionally, a chemical imbalance in the brain can cause a person to lose the ability to process emotions and feelings in a healthy way.

Diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct

A medical doctor should first perform a physical examination to rule out any ailments that may be contributing to symptoms of adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct. Depending upon the results, a psychologist or psychiatrist may be recommended. A psychoanalysis should reveal signs of this disorder by focus on behavioral responses, answers to specific questions and analysis of family medical history. In order for this particular diagnosis to be made, no other signs of mental illness can be present and the condition must not have lasted longer than 6 months.

Treatment Options for Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct

Because adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct is temporary in nature, therapy options are recommended over treatment with prescription drugs. When children are involved, family therapy can benefit a great deal by involving parents and offering advice and exercises on how to reward positive behavior and discourage acting out. One-on-one psychotherapy is also recommended to provide a confidential option for patients to express feelings, and to give the therapist the opportunity to evaluate progress of the disorder.