Adjustment Disorder
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Adjustment disorder is a stronger or longer emotional reaction than expected to a life stress, such as job loss, a breakup, a move or a health problem. It begins within three months of the stress, brings low mood or worry, and usually eases with support and time.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
How it is usually treated
- Short-term CBT
- Problem-solving therapy
- Supportive psychotherapy
- Mindfulness
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I am not coping since the big change in my life”
- “I feel low and anxious after a job loss or breakup”
- “I cannot handle this stress the way I used to”
- “I have been struggling since I moved”
People who live with adjustment disorder may also notice depression, generalised anxiety or sleep problems. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if you feel hopeless or have thoughts of harming yourself. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist asks what happened, when symptoms began, how they affect your life, and checks that depression or anxiety is not a better explanation.
Treatment and support
- Short-term CBT and problem-solving therapy
- Supportive psychotherapy
- Mindfulness and stress-management skills
- Practical help with the stress itself, such as work or family problems
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists offer short-term therapy for adjusting to difficult changes. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist lets you share only as much as you are ready to. The first step is to understand your symptoms and what keeps you safe and steady.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist work together, using trauma-focused therapy when you are ready for it.
Between sessions
Reviews go at your pace, and safety and sleep are checked at every step.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is adjustment disorder serious?
It is common and treatable. It becomes serious if symptoms are severe, last long or include thoughts of self-harm.
How is it different from depression?
It is tied to a clear stress and usually eases as you adapt. Depression is more pervasive and may continue without a clear trigger.
How long does it last?
It usually settles within about six months after the stress ends, with support.
If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
- Dr. Barkha ChikaraCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Dr. Divya GurunathanPsychiatrist - Women's Mental Health & Child Psychiatry
Dr. Dhritiman DasCo-Founder & Head of Community, Psychiatrist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Ms. Liji VijayanClinical Psychologist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.