Adjustment disorder is a mental disorder that occurs as a maladaptive response to a psychosocial stressor. It is an excessive reaction to stress that involves negative thoughts, strong emotions, and changes in behavior. The maladaptive response usually involves otherwise normal emotional and behavioral reactions that manifest more intensely than usual, causing marked distress, preoccupation with the stressor and its consequences, and functional impairment. Adjustment disorder can be present with anxiety, depressed mood, disturbance of emotions and conduct, or combinations of these conditions. Symptoms of adjustment disorder can vary from person to person and depend on the type of adjustment disorder. Some common symptoms include feeling sad, hopeless, or not enjoying things you used to enjoy, crying often, acting defiant or showing impulsive behavior, acting nervous or tense, and having physical complaints such as skipped heartbeats or trembling. Adjustment disorders are caused by major changes or stressors in your life, and genetics, life experiences, and temperament may make it more likely that an adjustment disorder happens. Treatment for adjustment disorders depends on a variety of factors, but they may include individual psychotherapy, family therapy, or peer group therapy.