Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is a problem that affects children and adolescents 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, such as getting lost or being hurt.

Psychotherapy and medications can be used to treat children with separation anxiety disorder. The child is taught to tackle difficult situations slowly, with confidence.

Signs and symptoms

Separation anxiety disorder is more severe than normal anxiety in relation to being separated from family and primary caregivers. People who suffer from this disorder are concerned that something terrible could occur to their family member when they are separated, such as getting lost or becoming ill. They may also fear other scenarios that could separate them from their loved ones like being kidnapped or being involved in a car accident.

This anxiety disorder can affect people at any age. It’s not known what causes separation anxiety in adults however it could be triggered by major life changes or by previous mental health issues, such as depression or PTSD. People who suffer from this disorder may feel too dependent on their children or romantic partners and have trouble establishing boundaries. Others may perceive them as too clingy or demanding.

This condition is characterized by excessive anxiety when a person is separated from their family, significant stress when away from home or at work, and frequent dreams of separation. These symptoms can make people avoid travel or other activities that involve a physical separation from family members, such as returning to school. Children who suffer from this condition may have difficulty sleeping or may experience a variety of physical problems, such as headaches or stomach pains in the event of anxiety about being alone.

To diagnose disorders anxiety will ask about your your child’s past and current symptoms. They will inquire about your family, and other relationships to determine how you’ve been able to manage separation anxiety before.

Talk therapy and, in some instances, medications are used to treat this condition. Your therapist will instruct you and your children how to cope with the fears. They can also guide you to approach feared situations by guiding you through the steps that can help your child understand how to handle separations and increase their confidence. The use of medication can help calm the brain and relax the body, which can ease your child’s anxiety.

Diagnosis

Separation anxiety disorder causes individuals to feel intense stress when they are away from their home or other close family members. 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 four weeks in children. They can cause major disruptions to daily life at school, work, and home. The condition can also interfere with the ability of a person to establish romantic relationships and socialize.

A mental health professional will interview and observe the patient’s behavior in order to diagnose this disorder. The provider will want to determine when the symptoms began and what makes them worse or better. A mental health professional will inquire about recent events and trauma history, depending on the age of the patient.

The doctor will also try to determine whether the fear is the result of a different medical condition that could cause similar symptoms, for example an illness such as cancer or a neurological issue, such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Other possible causes are family-related adversities that affect children, such as parental mental illness, substance abuse or domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and exposure to traumatic events, such as natural disasters, sexual assault, war or the loss of loved ones.

It can be difficult to diagnose separation anxiety disorder in adults, since there are no lab tests and the symptoms could be similar to those of other anxiety disorders. A person who develops a separation anxiety disorder in their adulthood typically experiences it after a traumatic event or significant loss. There are studies that suggest that those who have been diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder in childhood are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression in adulthood.

Several treatment options are available for those suffering from separation anxiety disorder . Therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as well as antidepressants, can help people overcome their fear. 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 can be diagnosed when a child’s fear of strangers and clinginess is persistent throughout elementary school, and is associated with physical symptoms, and affects daily functioning. According to the BetterHelp online therapy service the disorder of separation anxiety is the most prevalent anxiety disorder seen in children that affects up to 4 percent of them, with an age at onset of about 7 years.

The doctor who treats your child will conduct an exhaustive exam to rule out physical issues that could be causing anxiety. If no physical ailments are discovered then the healthcare provider for your child will refer them to an anxiety disorder specialist. It could be a child psychiatrist or psychologist.

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is typically the first treatment option for separation anxiety disorder. The Therapist will assist your child to help them develop healthy ways of managing their emotions, building self-confidence and independence, and building resilience. The therapist will educate parents on ways they can aid their child suffering from anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is usually treated by medication, for example antidepressants such as selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

The therapist will decide the best treatment option for your child based upon their particular needs. For instance, children who suffer from severe anxiety may benefit from a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This means exposing your child to situations that cause anxiety gradually over time, in small steps, until they are comfortable with them.

As children grow older their symptoms typically decrease. However, some adults could be suffering from separation anxiety disorder throughout their adult lives. This makes it difficult for them to keep relationships or achieve certain career goals, like returning to college or relocating for work. Adults suffering from separation anxiety disorder are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, including other types of anxiety disorders , depression and phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a range of substance use disorders.

The following is a list of preventatives.

Separation anxiety is a common occurrence in many children. For some, separation anxiety can be a major issue that interferes in their lives and hinders their participation in activities they enjoy. If your child’s worries are disrupting their routine consult an expert in mental health.

Separation anxiety disorder is a condition where children experience extreme distress when separated from parents or other figures of attachment. They are always worried about being lost, kidnapped, or having an accident that will cause the loss of people who are close to them. They may be having a difficult time falling asleep alone at night or refusing to go to school, camp, or play dates without their parents.

Doctors do not diagnose separation anxiety until the signs of a child have lasted at minimum four weeks. Most often, the healthcare professional will interview the child and their parents separately to get an accurate picture of the situation. They might ask questions regarding other anxiety disorders or changes in life like family history and life events that may trigger the separation anxiety.

Treatment for anxiety disorder separation differs depending on the child’s age and the severity of the symptoms. Children younger than 5 years old tend to express their anxiety through specific concerns about harm to their family members, such as being worried that their parents might be hurt in a car crash or be attacked by an intruder. Separation anxiety in older children is often dismissed by them.

Children who suffer from separation anxiety are often treated with behavioral therapy. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and helping them understand and manage their anxiety. In some instances the combination of therapies is used, including medication and cognitive therapy.

It is crucial for adults to be consistent in their responses to children’s separation anxiety. Children need to be aware that their pleas to parents not to leave them not valid. They will only be able to improve if they receive clear, firm boundaries, and support in overcoming their fears.