Hyderabad: Stressful conditions like a sudden change in workplace, bad performance and sudden serious illness are some of the causes for adjustment disorders along with depression, according to psychiatrists. Recent studies indicate that this disorder is seen in 13.77 per cent patients who are hospitalised or are suffering from threatening illness like cancer. At the clinical level the disease is found in 11.5 per cent patients mostly aged between 20 and 60 years.

In young adults between 20 and 40 years of age, the trigger could be bad performance at work place, relationship issues and dilemma caused by religious interventions. A senior psychiatrist, on condition of anonymity, said, "Religious comments and criticism appear to be open and easily accessible on social media. People often feel they are being targeted and find themselves in a situation where they can't cope with it. Such individuals suffer from low confidence. They try and restrict their social interaction and suffer from mood disorders. Some social situations also lead to these disorders."

Stress is a major factor that comes in the form of work load or social pressure. The ability of a person to manage the situation plays a crucial role. Dr M.S. Reddy, senior psychiatrist, said, “Adjustment disorders are seen in different age groups, from teenagers to senior citizens. Teenagers are mostly found to be complaining about behavioural issues, trauma during childhood and others. Many senior citizens, too, are seen trying to cope with this disorder as most of them live alone being widowed and not being able to cope with the changes. Senior citizens often come with problems of physical pain or disabilities that are somehow related to their mental trauma which often takes time to identify."

Adjustment disorders are seen in 7 per cent of cancer patients, according to multiple studies carried out in cancer institutes. Dr M. Safiya, psychiatrist, said, "The disorder is found to be the highest among cancer patients post surgery and other treatments. The emotional disturbance and distress that these patients undergo is very high that requires effective counselling along with medication to help them cope up with their changed situation."

With mental disorders not having any diagnostic criteria it has to be addressed only through prolonged questioning to identify the cause. The clinical diagnosis with the patients is important to come to a conclusion of what they are exactly suffering from.

Experts state that promoting positive mental health in social and work cultures is important to do away with this disorder. Positive mental health requires exercise, relaxation, good sleeping habit, avoiding addictive drugs and working towards de-stressing oneself by picking up a hobby or an activity of one's liking. These alternatives are found to help to deal with this disorder effectively and inculcate the right coping strength in individuals.