Consequences of an Injury: Adjustment Disorders
A serious injury can change the rest of a person’s life, as well as the lives of his or her relatives. These changes can be difficult to live with, and it is normal to feel stressed or angry about them. A few accident victims and their families, however, experience more than typical stress. Overwhelming amounts of anxiety or depression after an accident can be signs of an adjustment disorder.
Causes of Adjustment Disorders
A person can suffer from an adjustment disorder during any time of personal upheaval, such as a divorce or the end of a career. Sometimes major accidents, like car crashes or severe workplace injuries, cause people to develop this serious psychological condition. This is especially true of accidents that cause life-changing injuries, such as:
- Impairment, like blindness or paralysis
- Reduced earning capacity
- Chronic pain
- Loss of a loved one
- Scars or disfigurement
The injured person is not the only one who may develop an adjustment disorder. Dependent children whose lives have suddenly became less stable, or spouses who have suddenly become caretakers, can also have difficulty coping.
Signs of Adjustment Disorders
The symptoms of an adjustment disorder usually develop within weeks of the accident or stressor. They usually diminish within 6 months, especially if the patient seeks necessary care. For some people, however, the symptoms continue for much longer.
Symptoms that could potentially point towards this condition include:
- Periods of depression (feelings of hopelessness, social withdraw, crying spells, etc)
- Period of anxiety (excessive and constant worry, panic attacks, etc)
- Reckless behavior (illegal activities, increased aggression, drug abuse, etc)
Most people dealing with adjustment disorders need the assistance of a qualified counselor or doctor to overcome this painful condition.
Contact Us
If your emotional distress has been caused by a negligent party, you may be able to win compensation for treatment expenses. To learn more, contact Jacksonville adjustment disorder lawyer Don Guthrie, PA, at 904-296-1088.