Adjustment Disorder?

RoaryKennedy · 02-27-2008, 01:52 PM

Hi everyone! Anyone here been diagnosed with "adjustment disorder"?

Last week, I saw a psychiatrist to get some help with my meds. Since my daughter was born a year ago, I've been chronically depressed. I was on Zoloft before--had been for about five years--and suddenly, the Zoloft just wasn't taking care of the issues anymore. I feel like I've hit rock bottom three times in the past year.

The first time, my OB prescribed more Zoloft. The second time, I saw my family practice doctor, who switched me from Zoloft to Effexor, which so far hasn't even taken the edge off my depression. Now, I'm way, way low. I saw the psychiatrist last week, and she bumped up the Effexor, and that's how I learned of the adjustment disorder diagnosis--it's what my family practice doctor diagnosed me with at that visit.

So, anyone deal with this? I feel like a crappy mom. I feel like because I have this adjustment disorder--likely related to the birth of my daughter--that since I haven't adjusted well, I'm not a good mom.

I'm also coping with changes at work--they did some restructuring while I was on maternity leave, and now I do three times the work I once did, for no raise and with no training. My new boss is a former friend, and he's turned into a monumental a-hole. Dh and I are constantly battling. I don't know how to cope with his issues in addition to mine. The house is constantly a pit. I can't get the energy to clean, and when I do, it's a disaster within a short time. We've struggled with financial issues, due in part to the fact that dh and I both cut our hours at work to avoid putting our dd in daycare and the reduced income is taking a toll.

I'm scheduled to see a therapist on May 14. The psychiatrist upped my Effexor. But how do I cope until then?

ilovebailey · 02-27-2008, 11:12 PM

Sorry you are going through this. I am a licensed therapist...adjustment disorder is actually a good diagnosis, not good, but less severe is what I mean. It is basically just a diagnosis so your insurance can be billed. There is full blown depression and anxiety, but then there are so many folks that are just going through a time in their lives when they are adjusting to something and experiencing some symptoms as a result. Most people, myself included, have gone through periods of time when any of us would fall into that category. Try to use your supports, get rest, do small things to take care of yourself, even if it is a cup of tea and a half hour reading something positive, meditation is great too. Good luck.

ilovebailey · 02-27-2008, 11:14 PM

It is good that they upped your Effexor dose. You are so not abnormal and are not a bad mom. Your hormones are all over, naturally, and that happens to many women. Why can't you see a therapist until May? That seems awfully long.