Adjustment Disorder vs Depression – Difference and Comparison

What is Adjustment Disorder?

Adjustment disorders are the medical term for stress-related illnesses. In response to a stressor or surprising incident, you experience higher levels of stress than expected, which produces substantial problems in your connections, at your job, or university.

The signs and symptoms of adjustment disorders vary depending on the type of disorder and from individual to individual. 

Adjustment disorder symptoms appear 3 months after a stressful period and continue no more than six months after the incident ends. On the other hand, persistent or chronic adjustment disorders might last longer than six months, mainly if the stressor is constant, such as joblessness.

If you struggle to cope or are having problems getting through every day, speak with the doctor. You can receive therapy to help you manage stressful situations effectively and regain your sense of well-being. Consult your kid’s pediatrician if you have any concerns regarding his or her adjustment or behavior.

How you deal with stress is influenced by your experiences in life. If you’ve had a lot of pressure as a child, your chances of getting an adjustment disorder are higher. Have you ever suffered from any other mental health problems? You’re dealing with a variety of unpleasant living conditions at the same time.

If adjustment difficulties are not addressed, they can progress to much more significant mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, depression, and substance dependence.

What is Depression?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a frequent and severe medical condition that affects how you think, feel, and act. It is also, fortunately, curable.

For a diagnosis of depression, signs must endure at 2 weeks and show a difference in your prior level of functioning. Also, medical diseases (e.g., thyroid difficulties, a brain tumor, or vitamin deficiency) can resemble depressive symptoms, so screening out any underlying medical issues is crucial.

Depression can affect anyone at any age. However, it is prevalent in late adolescence or early adulthood. Women are more likely than men to experience depression.

Individuals can do a range of items to assist in alleviating the signs of depression. Regular physical activity can help most people feel better and boost their attitude. Getting enough good sleep each night, consuming a nutritious diet, and avoiding alcohol (which is a depressant) can all help to alleviate depression symptoms.

Depression, sometimes called major depressive disorder, is a mental illness that regularly causes you to feel unhappy or uninterested in life.

A cure for depression does not exist. Your signs may fade with time, but your illness will not. You can achieve recovery and live a long, healthy, and happy life with proper care and therapy.

Difference Between Adjustment Disorder and Depression

1. Psychotherapy is used to treat adjustment disorders, whereas depression is treated with psychotherapy and pharmaceuticals.
2. In less than 6 months, the adjustment disorder is gone, whereas, in the meantime, depression can last for months.
3. Adjustment disorder shares many symptoms as depression, except that for an accurate diagnosis, five symptoms should be observed within two weeks, whereas depression has many.
4. Depression requires proper help, whereas adjustment disorder can be treated by itself.
5. Loss of employment, for example, is a frequent cause of adjustment disorder, whereas the reason for depression can be difficult to pinpoint.

Comparison Between Adjustment Disorder and Depression

References

1. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26322896_Adjustment_Disorder_Epidemiology_diagnosis_and_treatment&ved=2ahUKEwi07OSX_bH2AhV7h1YBHY6UD-MQFnoECBkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0MDsCdsSrKxopFXlT_Nvkk
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165614799013097