Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is a problem that affects children and adolescents who worry overly when they are away from their caregivers, parents or other significant people. They might also worry about the possible negative effects of separation, such as being lost or getting injured.

Children suffering from separation anxiety can get treatment through therapy and medication. The child is taught to tackle difficult situations slowly, with assurance.

Signs and symptoms

Separation anxiety disorder is more intense than normal anxiety in the event of being separated from family members and primary caregivers. People who suffer from this condition are worried that something tragic will occur to their family member while they are separated, for example, getting lost or becoming ill. They may also be fearful of other circumstances that could cause separation from their loved one, including being abducted or having an accident with a car.

The onset of this disorder usually occurs in childhood, though adults can develop it at any time. Adult separation anxiety disorder treatments at home isn't thought to be caused by any specific factor however it can be caused by life changes, depression, or PTSD. People who suffer from this condition can feel overly dependent on their children or their romantic partners and display a lack of boundaries. Others may see them as excessively clingy and demanding.

The signs of this disorder include extreme stress when someone is separated from their family members, severe distress when they are away from home or work and recurrent nightmares involving separation. These symptoms can lead people to avoid traveling or other activities that require a physical separation from their families, for example, going to school. Children who suffer from this condition may have trouble sleeping or suffer from a range of physical ailments including headaches or stomach pains in the event of anxiety about being on their own.

A healthcare professional will ask you about your current and past symptoms or the symptoms of your child to determine if you suffer from separation anxiety. They will also inquire about your family, and other relationships to determine how you've dealt with separation anxiety before.

Talk therapy and, in some instances, medication are used to treat this disorder. Your therapist will teach you and your children how to cope with the anxiety. They can also assist you deal with situations that scare you in a step-by-step process that will help your child learn how to handle separations and build up their confidence. The medication can relax the brain, relax the body and reduce your child's anxiety.

Diagnosis

Separation anxiety disorder causes people to experience extreme anxiety when they are away from their home or attachment figures. The symptoms of separation anxiety disorder are more persistent than normal anxiety and fear. They can last for up to six months in adults and up to four weeks in children. They can cause major disruptions to daily life, school, and work. The condition can also hinder with a person's ability to create romantic relationships and socialize.

To determine if this disorder is present A mental health professional will talk to the patient and observe his or her behavior. The doctor will inquire about when symptoms started and what causes the symptoms to become worse or better. Depending on the person's age an expert in mental health will also inquire about any recent events that might be causing stress, as well as any past trauma.

The doctor will also decide whether there is a medical condition that could cause similar symptoms. This could be an illness such as cancer or a neurological disorder such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Other possible causes include family-related adversities that affect children like parental mental illness, substance misuse child abuse, domestic violence and neglect, and exposure to traumatizing events such as natural disasters and sexual assault, war, or the death of a loved one.

It can be difficult to diagnose separation anxiety disorder in adults because there aren't any lab tests and the symptoms of anxiety disorders may be similar to the symptoms of other fears. Someone who suffers from separation anxiety disorder in adulthood usually does so after experiencing a traumatic event or significant loss. Some studies indicate that people who suffer from separation disorders in childhood are more likely to develop anxiety and depression disorders as adults.

Separation anxiety disorder can be treated in a variety of ways. Therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications, like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors and antidepressants, can help people overcome their fears. People suffering from this disorder usually benefit from education for parents and techniques to improve the quality of their relationship with their children.

Treatment

Separation anxiety disorder may be diagnosed when children's fear of strangers and clinginess is persistent throughout the elementary school years, and is accompanied with physical symptoms and interferes in daily activities. According to BetterHelp, an online therapy service for children, separation anxiety disorder can affect up to 4% of children and has an average age of 7 years.

Your child's doctor will conduct a thorough examination to rule out physical issues that could cause anxiety. If no physical issues are identified the healthcare provider of your child will refer them to an expert in mental health who has expertise in anxiety disorders. This will likely be a psychologist or child psychiatrist.

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is typically the first option of treatment for separation anxiety disorder social disorder. The therapist will help your child learn how to manage their emotions to increase self-confidence, confidence and independence, as well as build resilience. The therapist will also educate parents on how they can support their child and help them cope with their anxiety. Treatment, such as antidepressants like selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed along with psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder.

Depending on your child's specific requirements, their therapy therapist will determine which options are most appropriate for the child. Children with extreme anxiety, for instance might benefit from a combination cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This means gradually exposing your child to the situations that trigger anxiety over time in a series of small steps until they become comfortable.

As children grow older, their symptoms usually decrease. However, some adults may experience symptoms of separation disorder throughout their adult lives. It can be difficult for them maintain relationships or to pursue certain career goals such as returning to college or going to work. Adults suffering from separation anxiety disorder have a high rate of co-occurring conditions, such as other anxiety disorders depression, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder, and a variety of substance use disorders.

Prevention

For many children, separation anxiety is a normal part of development. For others it can turn into a serious problem that interferes with their lives and prevents them from engaging in activities they like. Talk to a mental health professional if your child's fear is affecting their daily routine.

Children suffering from separation anxiety suffer extreme anxiety when they are separated from their parents or other important relationships. They are always worried about being abducted, lost or experiencing an accident that could result in the loss of people who are close to them. They may have trouble falling asleep at night or refuse to go to school, play dates or camp without their parents.

Doctors are not able to diagnose separation anxiety until the signs of a child last at minimum four weeks. Often, the healthcare provider will interview the child and parents separately to get an accurate picture of the situation. They may inquire about anxiety disorders that are not related to separation anxiety, family history, and life changes that might have caused or made the separation anxiety worse.

Treatment for anxiety disorder separation varies according to the child's age and the severity of the symptoms. Younger children typically express their anxiety through specific worries about harm to their loved ones for example, being worried that their parents might be hurt in a car crash or be attacked by an intruder. By contrast older children who suffer from separation anxiety usually deny that they have any anxiety about leaving the house.

Children who suffer from separation anxiety are usually treated with behavioral therapy. It usually involves teaching children relaxation techniques and helping them learn to recognize and manage their fears. In some instances there is a mix of therapies, such as cognitive therapy, is employed.

Adults must be consistent in their responses to children who are experiencing anxiety disorders examples about separation. Children must be taught that their parents' pleas not to leave them not valid. They can only grow by receiving clear, definite boundaries and assistance in overcoming their fears.