The reaction must occur within three months of the identified stressful event or change happening.
The identifiable stressful event or change in the life of a child or adolescent may be a maladaptive
response to a family move, a parental divorce or separation, the loss of a pet, or the birth of a brother
or sister. A sudden illness, or restriction to a child’s life because of chronic illness may also provoke
an adjustment response.

Work problems, going away to school, an illness, death of a close family member or any number of life changes can cause stress. Most of the time, people adjust to such changes within a few months. But if you have an adjustment disorder, you continue to have emotional or behavioral reactions that can contribute to feeling anxious or depressed.