Theoretical analysis of adaptation concept with respect to medical psychology

Relevance. Modern conditions of society functioning, change of educational and professional standards demand to update the concept of adjustment. Nowadays, the efficient functioning in society as well as maintaining a customary life quality requires a significant stretch of one’s adaptation potential. Problem of adjustment disorder is a discussion matter in many researches; however, the most significant challenge is a search for personality’s mental ill-being markers associated with psychological adjustment disorders, as well as the ways to neutralize these disorders. Intention. Via generalization of adjustment phenomenon knowledge, to demonstrate the psychological basis of adjustment functional system; highlight the traits of individual’s psychology capable of being the risk factors in adjustment disorder. Methodology. The theoretical analysis of «adjustment» phenomenon has been conducted. By comparison of the research data in physiological, medical and psychological approaches, the determination of pre-nosological markers of psychological adjustment disorder has been attempted. The mental (psychological) nature of adjustment process and its disorders is of particular interest. Results and Discussion. The article presents the theoretical review of adaptation phenomenon. Subject to analysis are the difficulties of its definition and contradictions that appear when working with this concept, which is common for a number of studies (psychology, biology, physics etc.). The author looks into the genesis and dynamics of this process, adaptedness criteria, as well as the forms of compensatory behavior in case of adaptation (adjustment) disorder. Conclusion. Interdisciplinary interest in the problem is explained by the complex polysystem structure of the adaptation phenomenon, the mechanisms of which have not yet been fully studied. Versatility of manifestations, which simultaneously affect biological, physiological, mental and social aspects, the lack of methodological elaboration introduces discrepancies and confusion into the study of this phenomenon. The results of the analysis will allow us to identify risk factors and markers of pre-nosological disorders of mental adaptation, which can be taken into account in the process of organizing psychoprophylactic measures.