Adjustment Disorders in
Military Adolescents

Change can be difficult and military life is full of it. Military children often face a great deal of change and uncertainty due to the nature of military service. Statistics show that many military children must go through six to nine Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves from preschool to high school. Changing schools once can be difficult, six to nine times may be unimaginable for some.

Packing and unpacking suitcases and boxes, losing old friends and meeting new ones, leaving old homes and moving to new locations – these changes can really test a child’s ability to adjust. While we know that challenges can build resilience, it doesn’t always make them any easier to face. All of these changes can lead to adjustment difficulties.

Adjustment disorders are common in the military community. In a 2017 survey, it was revealed to be one of the more prevalent emotional conditions in the military at 2.1 percent compared to anxiety (4.8 percent), depression (4.2 percent), and PTSD (2.1 percent as well). Teens are particularly susceptible. Adjusting to major life changes can be difficult, therapy can help.

Understanding Adjustment Disorders

According to the Psychological Center of Health Excellence “Adjustment disorders arise… in response to an identifiable stressor.” Based on the diagnostic criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the symptoms must begin within three months after the stressor is felt or experienced. Generally, symptoms can resolve with intervention by around six months if symptoms are truly related to an adjustment disorder.

There are also different types of adjustment disorders that are characterized by symptoms that arise in response to a stressor or major life change. These types include adjustment disorder with depressed mood, anxiety, mixed depressed mood and anxiety, disturbance of conduct, mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct as well as unspecified adjustment disorder.

What Are the Symptoms of an Adjustment Disorder?

Adjustment disorders will begin within three months of a major stressor or life change that requires you to “adjust”. Johns Hopkins Medicine enumerates the various possible signs and symptoms of the six subtypes of adjustment disorders:

1. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Symptoms may include:

  • Depressed mood
  • Tearfulness
  • Feelings of hopelessness

2. Adjustment disorder with anxiety. Symptoms may include:

  • Nervousness
  • Worry
  • Restlessness
  • Fear of separation

3. Adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood:

  • A combination of symptoms from both of these conditions are present

4. Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct. Symptoms may include:

  • Violation of the rights of others
  • Violation of society’s norms and rules (truancy, destruction of property, reckless driving or fighting)

5. Adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct:

  • A combination of symptoms from all the above subtypes is present (depressed mood, anxiety and conduct).

6. Adjustment disorder unspecified:

  • Reactions to stressful events that do not fit in one of the above subtypes are present.
  • Reactions may include behaviors like social withdrawal or inhibitions to routine or expected activities, like school or work

If any of the above symptoms sound familiar it may be time to discuss your concerns with a professional.

Why Are Military Teens Vulnerable to Adjustment Disorders?

Adjustment disorders are developed by people as a response to stress. Though anyone can develop an adjustment disorder after a stressful life event, military teens are especially at higher risk. This is so because of the great deal of change and distress that come with military life for example frequent moves or having a parent deploy for an extended period of time.

Adolescence can be a difficult time for any child, adding frequent changes and uncertainty can make it even more challenging. It is important to know that not all cases of AD can be resolved without treatment after six months. Symptoms may likely worsen without intervention becoming depression or anxiety. In an attempt to cope with intense symptoms some teens may even engage in substance use or self-injury.

Facilitating Adjustment

Adjusting can be difficult for teens, know that you are not alone in helping them, therapy can help. Carolina Counseling Services – West Fayetteville Office – Fayetteville, NC contracts with independent, licensed therapists that can help you and your child adjust to all of life’s challenges. If adjustment disorder symptoms are standing in your way, seek the right professional intervention. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

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