Adjustment Disorder (Causes)

The cause is a life stressor. Adults usually develop adjustment disorders to stressors related to marital discord, finances, or work. In adolescents, common stressors include school problems, family or parents' marital problems, or sexuality issues. Other types of stressors include death of a loved one, life changes, unexpected catastrophes, medical conditions such as cancer and subsequent treatments.

There is no way to predict which people are likely to develop adjustment disorder, given the same stressor. Factors that influence how well a person reacts to stress may include economic conditions, availability of social supports, and occupational and recreational opportunities. Intrapersonal susceptibility to stress may include such factors as social skills, intelligence, genetics and coping strategies.