Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder
Children and adolescents suffering from separation anxiety disorder have a tendency to worry about being away from their parents, caregivers or other important people in their lives. They might also be concerned that being separated could have negative consequences, for example, being hurt or lost.
Children with separation anxiety disorder can be treated with therapy and medication. The child is taught to tackle difficult situations slowly, with assurance.
Symptoms
Although some anxiety about being away from loved ones is normal separation anxiety disorder causes people more anxious than other people when it comes to the separation from family members and primary caregiver figures. People suffering from this disorder are concerned that something tragic will occur to their family member while they are separated, like losing their way or falling ill. They might also be worried about other situations that can separate them from their loved ones for example, being kidnapped or getting into a car accident.
The onset of this disorder typically occurs in childhood, though adults can develop it at any time. It isn't known what causes adult separation anxiety however it could be caused by major life changes or previous mental health disorders, such as depression or PTSD. People with this condition may feel overly dependent on children or their romantic partners, and have poor boundaries. Others may view them as being too demanding or clingy.
The symptoms of this condition include extreme stress when a person is cut off from their family, significant distress when they're away from work or home and recurrent nightmares involving separation. These symptoms can cause people avoid travel or other activities that involve a physical separation from family members, for example, returning to school. Children who suffer from this condition may have difficulty sleeping or experience a variety of physical problems, such as stomach pains or headaches, in the event of anxiety about being on their own.
A healthcare provider 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 ask you about your family and other relationships to find out how you've overcome separation anxiety in the past.
Talk therapy and, in certain instances, medication are used to treat this condition. Your therapist can teach you and your child ways to manage their fears. They can also help you approach situations that are feared by guiding you through the steps that can help your child understand how to cope with separations and build up their confidence. The medicines can help calm the brain and body, as well as help ease your child's fears.
Diagnosis
Separation anxiety disorder causes a person to feel extreme stress when they are away from their home or other close attachment figures. The symptoms of separation anxiety are more persistent than normal anxiety and anxiety and. They can last for up to six months in adults and up to four weeks in children. They cause major disruptions to daily life, school, and work. It can also impact the person's social life and ability to establish romantic relationships.
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 triggers them to worsen or improve. Depending on the individual's age the mental health professional might also inquire about any recent events that may have caused stress and any past trauma.
The provider will also determine if there is another medical condition that can cause similar symptoms. This could be a condition such as cancer or an underlying neurological disorder, such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other possible causes are family-related adversities that affect children, such as parental mental illness, addiction to drugs child abuse, domestic violence and neglect, and exposure to traumatic events like natural catastrophes, war, sexual assault or the death of loved ones.
It can be difficult to diagnose separation anxiety disorder in adults because there are no tests for it and the symptoms may be similar to the symptoms of other anxiety disorders. Separation anxiety disorder is more prevalent among adults who have suffered a traumatic experience or significant loss. Certain studies suggest that those who have been diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder in childhood are more likely to be suffering from anxiety and depression later in life.
Several treatment options are available for people with separation anxiety disorder. There are a variety of treatment options available to those suffering from. Therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as well as antidepressants, can help people overcome the phobia. Parents suffering from this disorder can benefit from methods and education to strengthen their relationship with their child.
Treatment
Although many children go through a stage when they become clingy and fearful of strangers When this fear persists throughout elementary school and beyond, is associated with physical symptoms, and affects daily functioning, it may be a sign of separation anxiety disorder. According to BetterHelp, an online therapy service for children, separation anxiety disorder can affect up to 4% of children, with a median age of 7 years.
Your child's doctor will perform an extensive exam to rule out physical problems that could cause anxiety. If no physical issues are discovered the healthcare professional for your child will refer them to an expert in anxiety disorders. It could be a child psychiatrist or psychologist.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is often the first option of treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The 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 to help their child with anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is usually treated with medication, including antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Based on the specific needs of your child's needs, their therapist will determine which treatment options are most appropriate for the child. For instance, children who suffer from severe anxiety may benefit from a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This involves exposing your child to situations that trigger their anxiety gradually over time in small steps until they feel comfortable with them.
Typically, children suffering from separation anxiety disorder will improve as they get older, and their symptoms will diminish. There are some adults who experience symptoms of separation disorder throughout their adult lives. It can be challenging for them maintain relationships or pursue certain career goals such as returning to college or moving to 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 with preventions.
For many kids, separation anxiety is a normal part of development. But for others it can be an issue that causes problems with their lives and blocks them from participating in activities they enjoy. If your child's worries are disrupting their daily routine, talk to a mental health professional.
Separation anxiety disorder is a condition in which children experience extreme anxiety when they are separated from their parents or other attachment figures. They are constantly concerned about being snatched away or lost, or that an accident might cause them to lose those closest to them. They might also have trouble sleeping on their own at night or refusing to go to school, camp or play dates with their parents.
A child's separation anxiety symptoms should last for at least four weeks before a physician can diagnose the problem. Often, the healthcare provider will interview the child and their parents separately to get an entire picture of the situation. They might also inquire about other anxiety disorders or family history as well as changes in life that may have triggered or made the separation anxiety more severe.
Treatment for separation anxiety disorder differs based on the age of the child and the severity of the symptoms. Children express their anxiety by worrying about their attachment figures. For instance they might be worried that their parents might be involved in a car accident or attacked by a burglar. In contrast older children who suffer from separation anxiety often deny they have any anxiety about leaving their home.
Behavioral therapy is a typical treatment for children suffering from separation anxiety. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and helping them recognize and control their anxiety. In best medication for anxiety disorder there is a mix of therapies, including cognitive therapy, is utilized.
Adults should be consistent in their responses to children who are experiencing anxiety over separation. Children must be taught that their pleas for parents to stay home are not valid and they will only get better if they're provided with clear, definite boundaries and support as they work to overcome their fears.