You tell your friend that in your psychology class you are learning about the different mental disorders. Your friend asks you to explain a "nervous breakdown." Explain what this term "nervous breakdown" means, and then describe the symptoms, causes, and treatments for the clinical diagnosis that comes closest to being a "nervous breakdown."

What will be an ideal response?

Answer will include that the term "nervous breakdown" has no formal meaning. Nevertheless, a problem known as an adjustment disorder does come close to being something of a "breakdown." An adjustment disorder occurs when ordinary stresses push people beyond their ability to cope with life. Examples of such stresses are a job loss, intense marital strife, and chronic physical illness. People suffering from an adjustment disorder may be extremely irritable, anxious, apathetic, or depressed. They also have trouble sleeping, lose their appetite, and suffer from various physical complaints. Often, their problems can be relieved by rest, sedation, supportive counseling, and a chance to "talk through" their fears and anxieties.