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Trauma and stress

Adjustment disorder

Emotional distress or disproportionate changes in behaviour due to a stressful event (separation, dismissal, move, illness), beginning within the next three months.

Common signs

Anxiety or sadness after a changeDifficulty keeping up with routineIrritability or feeling stuck

Tips

For you

  1. Separate what you can change from what you can't
  2. Keep basic sleep and eating routines
  3. Brief therapy usually works very well

For family and friends

  1. Help with practical tasks
  2. Listen without downplaying what is happening to them

When to ask for help

  1. If the distress lasts more than six months
  2. If thoughts of death appear: 024

Are you having a really hard time? If you're thinking of harming yourself, call 024 (free, 24 hours) or 112.

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. Since a recent change I have felt really bad
2. I'm sadder or more anxious than usual
3. I find it hard to keep up with my routine
4. I'm sleeping worse
5. I feel stuck
6. I'm more irritable
7. The distress started within three months of the change
8. I feel I don't know how to cope with it
Also take the full stress test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFull article: Adjustment disorderFree resource from Clínica VivaldiAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Reactive attachment disorderTrauma and stressDisinhibited social engagement disorderTrauma and stressPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Trauma and stressAcute stress disorderTrauma and stress

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.