adjustment disorder happens when a person is unable to cope with or adjust to certain stressors. people who have adjustment disorder often have symptoms such as losing interest, being sad, crying, feeling anxious and constant worries. these symptoms are from outside stressors, although they resolve when individuals become used to the situations. the stressors may include, although are not limited to: hurricanes, being abused, accidents and traumatic events. this problem can happen at any age. in adults, however, adult women are diagnosed almost twice as often as men.