Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder affects adolescents and children who worry overly when they are away from their parents, caregivers, or other important people. They may also worry that separation could have negative consequences, such as getting hurt or lost.

Children suffering from separation anxiety are treated through psychotherapy and medications. Therapy includes teaching the child to deal with fearful situations slowly by providing reassurance and encouragement.

Signs and symptoms

Separation anxiety disorder is more intense than normal anxiety when it comes to being separated from family members and primary caregivers. People who suffer from this condition are afraid that something terrible could occur to their family member if they are separated, for example, being lost or getting sick. They may also fear other scenarios that could separate them from their loved ones such as being abducted or being involved in an accident.

The onset of this anxiety disorder typically begins in childhood, though adults can be affected at any time. Adult separation anxiety isn’t known to be caused by any specific factor however it can be caused by life changes such as depression, depression, or PTSD. People suffering from this disorder may feel a lot dependent on children or romantic partners, and lack boundaries. Others may perceive them as too clingy or demanding.

This condition is marked by a high level of distress when someone is separated from family, significant distress while away from home or working, and recurring thoughts of separation. These symptoms can cause people avoid traveling or other activities that involve a physical separation from family members, such as going back to school. Children suffering from this condition could suffer physical issues such as stomach pains if they worry about being left alone.

A healthcare professional will ask you about your previous and current symptoms or those of your child in order to determine if you suffer from separation anxiety. They will also inquire about your family and other relationships to see how you’ve overcome separation anxiety in the past.

Talk therapy and, in a few instances, medication are utilized to treat this condition. Your therapist will show you and your children how to cope with the fears. They can help you and your child to learn to manage separations in a step-by- steps. Medicines can help to relax the brain and relax the body, which can help ease your child’s anxiety.

Diagnosis

A person suffering from separation anxiety is likely to experience extreme anxiety when they are away from their the home or close family members. Unlike normal fear and worry that people generally experience these symptoms disorder are long-lasting, usually lasting longer than four weeks for children and six months or longer in adults, and they can cause significant disruption to daily life and function at work and school. panic anxiety disorder can also affect the social life of a person and their ability to form romantic relationships.

To determine the cause of this disorder A mental health professional will interview the patient and observe his or her behavior. The provider will ask when symptoms first started and what triggers the symptoms to become worse or better. Depending on the person’s age the mental health professional may also ask about any recent events that might be causing stress, as well as any previous trauma history.

The provider will also try to determine whether the fear is a result of another medical condition that may cause similar symptoms, like an illness, such as cancer or a neurological disorder, such as cerebral palsy or multiple-sclerosis. Other possible causes are family-related adversities that affect children, such as parental mental illness, substance misuse, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and exposure to traumatic events such as natural catastrophes and war, sexual assault or the death of loved ones.

The diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in adults is more difficult as there are no lab tests for the condition and it can share many symptoms with other phobias. Anyone who develops separation anxiety disorder in adulthood usually does so after experiencing a traumatic event or significant loss. Some studies suggest that people who suffer from separation disorders in their early years may be more likely to develop anxiety and depression disorders as adults.

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. Individuals suffering from separation anxiety can overcome their fear through therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or medications like selective serotonin receptor antagonists and antidepressants. People suffering from this disorder usually benefit from parental education and techniques to improve the quality of their relationship with their children.

Treatment

Separation anxiety disorder is diagnosed when children’s fear of strangers and clinginess persists throughout elementary school, is associated with physical symptoms and interferes in daily activities. In fact, according to the BetterHelp online therapy service, separation anxiety disorder is the most frequent anxiety disorder seen in children, affecting up to 4% of them, with an onset age of 7 years old.

Your child’s healthcare professional will perform a thorough exam to identify any physical issues that may be causing their anxiety. If no physical ailments are found, the healthcare provider for your child will refer them to an expert in anxiety disorders. This could be a child psychiatrist or psychologist.

Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) is often the first option for treating separation anxiety disorder. The therapy therapist will work with your child to help them develop healthy ways of managing their emotions, boosting self-confidence and independence, and building resilience. The therapist will also educate parents on ways they can help their child with anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is often treated by medication, for example antidepressants such as selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Depending on your child’s specific needs, the counselor will determine what treatment options are best for them. For example, children with severe anxiety might benefit from a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This is when your child is exposed to situations that trigger their anxiety gradually over time by introducing them in small increments until they feel comfortable with them.

Often, children with separation anxiety disorder improve as they grow older, and their symptoms will decrease. There are some adults who experience symptoms of separation disorder throughout their adult lives. This makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships or to pursue certain career goals, like going back to college or moving for work. Adults with separation disorder are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression, phobias, or post-traumatic disorder.

Prevention

Separation anxiety is common among many children. But for others it can be an issue that causes problems with their lives and blocks them from participating in activities they enjoy. Consult a mental health professional if your child’s anxiety is affecting their daily life.

Children suffering from separation anxiety suffer extreme stress when they are separated from their parents or other major relationships. They are constantly concerned about being kidnapped or lost, or that an accident might cause them to lose the people closest to them. They might also have a hard time sleeping at night on their own, or they might refuse to go to camps, school or play dates without their parents.

A child’s separation anxiety symptoms must last for at least 4 weeks before a physician can determine the cause. 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 anxiety disorders or changes in the life like family history and life events that may trigger the separation anxiety.

Treatment for separation anxiety disorder differs based on the child’s age, and the severity of symptoms. Children express their anxiety through worrying about their attachment figures. For example they might be worried that their parents are involved in a car accident or harmed by burglars. By contrast, older children with separation anxiety usually deny that they are anxious about leaving home.

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

Adults must be consistent in their responses to children experiencing anxiety over separation. Children must be taught that their pleas to parents to not leave are not valid, and they will only improve if given clear, precise boundaries and a helping hand as they try to overcome their fears.