Adjustment disorder is an emotional disorder that can arise after a major life event such as divorce, death of a loved one, a natural disaster. It is a short term mental state characterized by anxiety, depression, panic attacks, fear of the event happening again, and disturbed relationships with friends and family.
The symptoms can be short term but severe, and can include feeling numb, horrified and fear of your own emotions.
In other words, Adjustment disorder is a psychological condition that is caused by a stressful relationship between the patient and their environment. It is characterized by behavioral or emotional symptoms that are not consistent with who the person really is.
Primarily, Adjustment disorder is characterized by the development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor or stressors. These symptoms last for at least two weeks and significantly affect functioning in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Adjustment disorder can also be referred to as reactive depression.