Helping Your Teen Avoid Adjustment Disorder After a Divorce

Divorce is hard on the entire family, but teens can be especially vulnerable to the emotional trauma of this abrupt life change. Research shows that adolescents who experience parental divorce are more likely to develop mental health challenges, including adjustment disorder, a condition triggered by major stress or change.

If your family is going through a divorce, Chima Asikaiwe, MD, Cecilia Chanda, DNP, PMHNP, and Amy Baynash, PMHNP, at Greathope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services in Garland, Texas, understand how this transition can affect your teen. Here, they provide more information about adjustment disorder and outline some steps you can take to help your child maintain emotional health.

What is adjustment disorder?

Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition that occurs when your teenager has a hard time coping with a major life change, such as parental separation or divorce. It can cause sudden emotional and behavioral symptoms that interfere with your child’s daily life. 

Some notable signs of adjustment disorder include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Withdrawal from friends and favorite activities
• Drop in grades at school
• Angry outbursts
• Unexplained headaches and stomachaches
• Risk-taking behavior

Adjustment disorder develops within a few months of experiencing the stressor (separation or divorce). If not addressed promptly, symptoms can worsen or develop into longer-term conditions like depression or anxiety disorders.

Supporting your teen during and after your divorce

Even though you’d give anything to protect your child from the emotional pain of your divorce, sadly, it’s not possible. But you can provide the right tools, resources, and environment to help them acclimate in a healthy way.

Our team of experienced and compassionate psychiatrists recommends:

Establishing and maintaining two-way communication

Let your child know that their feelings are valid and that it's helpful to talk about them. Make yourself available often for conversations, and let your teen vent their anger, frustration, and sadness.

Avoid putting your teen in the middle

Please don’t ask your teen to choose sides or relay messages between you and your spouse (or ex-spouse). 

Create a stable routine

If you’re already separated, establishing a dependable routine between homes provides structure, so your teen knows what to expect and feels secure.

Pay attention to changes

Observe sudden shifts in mood, sleep patterns, academic performance, and outward behavior, as these can all indicate emotional distress.

Most importantly, seek professional help if your teen seems withdrawn, overwhelmed, or depressed. Early intervention can really make a difference and help avert more serious emotional and behavioral issues.

How psychiatric care can help

At Greathope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services, our expert team brings years of experience in helping patients navigate emotional and psychological challenges, including divorce-related adjustment issues. They work closely with teens and families to offer personalized support that includes:

• Thorough evaluation and diagnosis
• Individual treatment plan tailored to your teen’s needs
• Collaboration with a team of therapists, counselors, and psychologists
• Medication management, when appropriate
• Talk therapy and family support to strengthen communication and emotional healing

Early treatment for adjustment disorder can prevent long-term effects. With the right support, your teen can emerge from this unwanted transition with greater resilience. 

There’s hope and healing for your teen. Call today to schedule an appointment. You can also request one online.