Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorder affects adolescents and children who worry excessively when they are separated from their caregivers, parents or other important people. They might also worry about a possible negative outcome of separation, for example, being lost or getting hurt.
Children with separation anxiety disorders 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 and primary caregivers. People who suffer from this condition are worried that something bad will happen to their family member if they are separated, for example, being lost or getting sick. They might also be afraid of other situations that could keep them from their loved ones, for example, being kidnapped or being involved in a car accident.
The first signs of this anxiety disorder typically occurs in the earliest years of life, however adults can be affected at any time. It's not known what causes separation anxiety in adults however it could be caused by major life changes or prior mental health issues such as depression or PTSD. People with this condition may feel overly dependent on their children or their romantic partners, and lack boundaries. Some may see them as being too clingy or demanding.
The signs of this disorder include extreme stress when a person is separated from their family, significant anxiety when they are away from work or home and frequent nightmares about separation. These symptoms can make people avoid traveling or other activities that involve a physical separation from family members, such as returning to school. Children suffering from this condition could have physical issues, like stomach pains when they worry about being on their own.
To diagnose this disorder a healthcare provider will ask about your your child's past and present symptoms. They will also ask you about your family and other relationships to find out how you've faced separation anxiety in the past.
Treatment for this disorder includes talking therapy and, in some instances medication. Your therapist can show you and your child methods to deal with their fears. They can help you and your child learn to manage separations through a step by steps. The medicines can help calm the mind and body, as well as reduce your child's anxiety.
Diagnosis
Separation anxiety disorder can cause individuals to feel intense distress if they are away from their home or relatives. panic anxiety disorder of separation anxiety disorder are more persistent than normal anxiety and fear. They can last up to six months for adults and for up to four weeks in children. They cause major disruptions to daily life as well as school and work. It can also affect the person's social life and ability to develop romantic relationships.
To diagnose this disorder A mental health professional will talk to the patient and observe his or her behavior. The provider will ask when symptoms began and what triggers them to get worse or improve. A mental health professional will inquire about recent events and the history of trauma in relation to the age of the patient.
The provider will also determine if there is another medical condition that may cause similar symptoms. This could be a condition such as cancer, or a neurological disorder like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Other causes include family problems like parental mental illnesses and domestic violence, abuse of substances and child neglect and abuse.
It is a challenge to identify separation anxiety disorder among adults, as there aren't any lab tests and the symptoms may be similar to other fears. Separation anxiety disorder is more frequent in adults who have experienced a traumatic experience or significant loss. There are studies that suggest that those who were diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder in their childhood are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders later in life.
A variety of treatment options are available for those suffering from separation anxiety disorder. There are a variety of treatment options available to those suffering from. People suffering from separation anxiety disorder can overcome their fear with therapy, including cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) or medication like selective serotonin antagonists and antidepressants. Parents suffering from this disorder can benefit from strategies and training to strengthen their relationship with their child.
Treatment
Separation anxiety disorder is diagnosed when the child's fear of being around strangers and clinginess is persistent throughout elementary school, is manifested by physical symptoms and interferes in everyday functioning. According to BetterHelp, an online therapy service for children the disorder of separation anxiety affects up to 4%, with an average age of 7 years old.
Your child's healthcare provider will perform a thorough exam to identify any physical issues that may be causing their anxiety. If no physical problems are identified the healthcare provider of your child will refer them to a mental health professional with experience in anxiety disorders. For children, this will most likely be a psychiatrist or child psychologist.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is typically the first course of treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The therapist will assist your child to teach them healthy ways to manage their emotions, building confidence and independence, as well as developing resilience. The therapist will also train parents on how to help their child and aid them deal with their anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is usually treated by medication, for example antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Depending on your child's specific needs, the therapy therapist will determine which options are most appropriate for their specific needs. Children with extreme anxiety, for instance could benefit from a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as exposure therapy. This means gradually expose your child to situations that cause anxiety over time in a series of small steps until they are comfortable.
As children get older their symptoms tend to decrease. Some adults may still have symptoms of separation anxiety in their adult life. This can make it difficult to maintain relationships or pursue certain career goals, like returning to school or moving for work. Adults who suffer from separation disorder are more likely to have co-occurring disorders, such as depression, phobias, and post-traumatic disorder.
The following is a list of preventions.
For many kids who are anxious about separation, it is a normal part of development. For others, anxiety over separation can be a serious issue that interferes in their lives and prevents them from participating in the activities they enjoy. If your child's worries are disrupting their routine consult an expert in mental health.
Children with separation anxiety disorder experience extreme distress when separated from their parents or other significant family members. They are constantly concerned about being kidnapped or lost or that an accident will cause them to lose those closest to them. They may be having a difficult time sleeping on their own at night, or they might refuse to go to camps, school, or play dates without their parents.
The signs of separation anxiety in children should last for at least four weeks before a physician can diagnose the problem. Most often, the healthcare professional will interview the child and their parents separately to get a full picture of the situation. They may ask questions about other anxiety disorders or changes in the life like family history and life events that might trigger the separation anxiety.
Treatment for separation anxiety varies depending on the age of the child, and the severity of symptoms. Children express their anxiety through worrying about their attachment figures. For example, they may worry that their parents might be involved in a car accident or harmed by burglars. Separation anxiety in older children is frequently denied by them.
Children with separation anxiety are usually treated with behavioral therapy. It typically involves teaching children relaxation techniques and helping them learn to recognize and control their anxieties. In some instances the combination of treatments is employed, including cognitive therapy and medication.
It's important for adults to be consistent in their responses to children's separation anxiety. Children must be taught that their pleas to parents to not leave are not valid and they'll only get better if they're given clear, precise boundaries and a lot of support while they work to overcome their fears.