Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorder is a problem that affects adolescents and children who worry excessively when they are separated from their caregivers, parents, or other important people. They may also worry that separation could have negative consequences, such as being hurt or lost.
Children with separation anxiety disorder can be treated with psychotherapy and medication. Therapy involves teaching the child to manage fearful situations gradually with encouragement and support.
Symptoms
While some anxiety over being away from loved ones is normal separation anxiety disorder can cause people much more intensely anxious than other people when it comes to the separation from family members and primary caregiver figures. People who suffer from this condition are afraid that something bad will occur to their family member if they are separated, for example, losing their way or falling ill. They may also fear other situations that can separate them from their loved ones like being kidnapped or being involved in an accident.
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Anxiety Disorder Separation disorder can affect people at any age. Adult separation anxiety is not thought to be caused by anything specific however it can be caused by life changes such as depression, depression, or PTSD. The sufferers of this disorder might feel a lot dependent on children or romantic partners, and lack boundaries. Some may view them as being too clingy and demanding.
This condition is characterized by extreme distress when one is cut off from their family, significant stress when away from home or at work, and recurrent dreams of separation. These symptoms can cause people to avoid traveling or engaging in other activities that require physical separation from family members, like returning to school. Children who suffer from this condition may have difficulty sleeping or may experience a variety of physical ailments including stomach pains or headaches, when they worry about being left alone.
To determine the severity of this disorder, the healthcare professional will inquire about your or your child's previous and current symptoms. They will also ask you about your family and other relationships to determine how you have dealt with separation anxiety in the past.
Treatment for this disorder consists of talking therapy and, in certain cases medications. Your therapist will instruct you and your children how to deal with the fear. They can also assist you deal with situations that scare you through a step-by-step method that helps your child learn how to deal with separations and build up their confidence. The use of medication can help calm the mind and relax the body, which can help ease the anxiety of your child.
Diagnosis
Separation anxiety disorder can cause people to experience extreme distress if they are away from their home or relatives. Unlike normal fear and worry that many people feel the symptoms of this disorder can be persistent, typically lasting longer than four weeks in children and more than six months in adults, and they cause major disruption to daily life and function at school and work. It can also impact the person's
social anxiety disorder life and ability to develop romantic relationships.
A mental health professional will interview and examine the patient's behavior to diagnose the disorder. The doctor will inquire about when symptoms first started and what causes them to worsen or improve. Based on the age of the patient an expert in mental health will also inquire about any recent events that could have caused stress and any previous trauma history.
The doctor will also decide whether there is a medical condition that can cause similar symptoms. This could be a condition such as cancer, or a neurological disorder like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other causes include family adversities such as mental illness in the family or substance abuse, domestic violence and child neglect and abuse.
It is difficult to diagnose separation anxiety disorder among adults, since there aren't any lab tests and the symptoms could be similar to other anxiety disorders. Anyone who suffers from separation anxiety disorder in adulthood typically does so after experiencing a traumatic event or significant loss. Certain studies suggest that those who suffer from separation disorders in their early years may be more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders as adults.
A variety of treatment options are available for people with separation anxiety disorder. There are many treatment options available for people suffering from. People with separation anxiety disorder can overcome their fear with therapy, such a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or medications like selective serotonin antagonists and antidepressants. Parents who suffer from this disorder can benefit from methods and education to strengthen their relationship with their child.
Treatment
Separation anxiety disorder is diagnosed when a child's fear of strangers and clinginess persists throughout elementary school, and is accompanied with physical symptoms and impedes daily activities. According to BetterHelp, an online therapy service for children that treat separation anxiety disorder, it can affect up to 4% of children with an average age of 7 years.
Your child's healthcare professional will perform a thorough exam to identify any physical issues that may be causing their 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. For children it will likely be a psychiatrist or child psychologist.
Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) is often the first option for treating separation anxiety disorder. The therapist will help your child learn healthy ways to manage their feelings and increase self-confidence and independence, and build resilience. The therapist will educate parents on ways to assist their child who is suffering from anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is usually treated with medication, including antidepressants, such as selective serotoninin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs).
Based on the specific needs of your child's requirements, their counselor will determine what treatment options are best for their specific needs. Children with extreme anxiety, for instance, may benefit from a combination cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure therapy. This involves gradually expose your child to situations that cause anxiety over time in a series of small steps until they become comfortable.
Often, children with separation anxiety disorder improve as they get older, and their symptoms will diminish. However, some adults could be suffering from separation anxiety disorder throughout their adult lives. This makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships or to pursue certain career goals, such as returning to school or relocating for work. Adults who suffer from separation anxiety have a high rate of co-occurring conditions, such as other anxiety disorders such as depression, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder, and a range of substance use disorders.
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 activities they love. If your child's fears are disrupting their routine consult an expert in mental health.
Children with separation anxiety disorder suffer extreme stress when they are separated from their parents or other major relationships. They are always worried about being snatched away or lost, or that an accident might cause them to lose the people closest to themselves.