Sep 19, 2023
Challenge and change are fundamental parts of the human experience. The emotional responses to those situations differ for everyone. Life has its various ups and downs. However, some people may feel an inability to control their emotions in the face of those stressors. This lack of control may indicate more than a typical stress response and instead may be a symptom of an adjustment disorder.
There are several types of adjustment disorders with different characteristics. If you feel as though your response to stressful situations is to respond in a rebellious and destructive manner, you may have an adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct. This blog will outline what that is, the symptoms associated with it, and some possible treatments for the disorder.
What are Adjustment Disorders?
An adjustment disorder is when stress or trauma causes an unusually strong reaction. There are several types of adjustment disorders including: adjustment with depressed mood, adjustment with anxiety, adjustment with mixed depressed mood and anxiety, and adjustment with disturbance of conduct. There is a specific type of therapy which focuses on identifying and addressing the symptoms of the various adjustment disorders. Since these are often reactions to stressors or life events, they can make daily life difficult. That is why it is important to address the type of adjustment which is presenting itself.
What is Adjustment Disorder with Disturbance of Conduct?
Adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct is when a person responds to triggers with a reaction that can be rebellious or destructive in nature. A person may be exhibiting symptoms of this disorder if they act in the following manner:
- Engaging in rebellious acts or being defiant: This is when a person responds to triggers by acting out. An example of this would be deliberately ignoring guidelines or rules created for safety. This includes things like reckless driving.
- Making impulsive decisions: An individual with disturbance of conduct may make rather impulsive and unplanned decisions. An example of this is when a person suddenly quits their job or breaks up with a long-term partner.
- Acting in a destructive manner: In response to stress, the person may act in a way that is dangerous to themselves or others. This could include engaging in activities which could cause bodily or mental harm.
- Acting in an aggressive or violent manner: A person may react in a way that shows aggression and violence towards others. An example of this would be getting in a physical or verbal argument.
- Breaking social expectations or rules: A person with adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct may go against societal norms or expectations. Some examples of this include lying and stealing.
These maladaptive behaviors can also contribute to other problems such as substance abuse, absences from work or school, and legal trouble. So, if you feel as though you may have an adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct, it is important to seek professional help.
What are the Effects of Adjustment Disorder with Disturbance of Conduct?
The behaviors associated with adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct can be accompanied by a variety of effects to one’s mental health and life. Some of those effects are listed below:
- Difficulty at school or work: A person with this type of adjustment disorder may have trouble controlling their reactions at school or work. This can contribute to being in trouble at either place due to behaviors.
- Trouble Maintaining Relationships: Due the possibly explosive reactions and violent behaviors which may present themselves, a disturbance of conduct individual may find it hard to establish relationships. Any existing friendships or romantic relations may also be hurt by the destructive behaviors.
- Decreased Mental Health: The emotional reactions to stress and other triggers can have a long-lasting impact on mental health. An individual with any adjustment disorder may also struggle with issues such as addiction, irritability, or feeling isolated from others.
- Legal issues: As previously mentioned a person with adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct may act out in a rebellious manner or against social norms. This may increase the chances for the individual to come into trouble with the law.
The behaviors and effects associated with the adjustment disorder can range from mild to severe depending upon the reactions of the individual.
What are the Triggers for Adjustment Disorder with Defiance of Conduct?
The behaviors associated with the adjustment disorder are typically triggered by trauma, life events, and stressful situations. Some further examples of those are:
- Experiencing a death: Experiencing the death of a loved one can cause a defiance of conduct response.
- Medical Diagnosis: An unexpected medical diagnosis is stressful and can cause an exhibition of maladaptive behaviors.
- Financial Troubles: When a person feels as though they do not have the finances, they need to support their life, they may act in a destructive manner.
- Trauma: When a person experiences a new or reoccurring trauma, it can trigger a defiant or reckless response.
- Memory Triggers: Objects, smells, and tastes all associated with bad memories can trigger an episode of behaviors. An example of this would be to see a photograph from childhood that causes a strong emotional reaction. These can be more relevant if those memories are associated with previous defiant behaviors.
What are the Treatment Options for Adjustment Disorder with Defiance of Conduct?
If you feel as though you have adjustment disorder with defiance of conduct, you are not trapped in the cycle of behaviors. There are a variety of treatment options that you could take. Some of those options include therapy and the use of medications. There are a variety therapy routes you could take. Those include individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, or the therapy focused on adjustment disorders. In those therapy sessions, the trained professionals can help you identify and change your responses to stress using coping strategies.
There are no medications which specifically target adjustment disorder with defiance of conduct. However, a professional may prescribe medications that help with symptoms and effects of the disorder. This would include mood stabilizers, anti-depressant, and anti-anxiety medications. Whatever steps you take if you feel as though you have adjustment disorder with defiance of conduct, we are ready to take them with you. Schedule your first session with one of our trained counselors today!
