Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorders affect children and adolescents who worry frequently when they are not from their parents, caregivers, or other important people. They may also worry that separation could have negative consequences, for example, being lost or hurt.
Children suffering from separation anxiety can be treated with psychotherapy and medication. The child is taught to approach the fearful situations slowly, and with assurance.
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 suffering from this disorder fear that their family member could be the victim of a tragic event if they are separated. This could mean getting lost or becoming sick. They might also be afraid of other scenarios that could separate them from their loved ones like being kidnapped or being involved in a car accident.
The first signs of this anxiety disorder typically begins in childhood, though adults can be affected at any age. It's unclear what causes separation anxiety in adults however, it could be caused by major life changes or 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 exhibit poor boundaries. Some may view them as being too clingy and demanding.
The symptoms of this condition include extreme stress when someone is separated from their family, significant anxiety when they are away from work or home and frequent nightmares of separation. These symptoms can cause people avoid traveling or other activities that involve a physical separation from family members, such as returning to school. Children with this condition may have difficulty sleeping or may experience a variety of physical problems including headaches or
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To determine the severity of this disorder, a healthcare provider will ask about your your child's past and current symptoms. They will also ask you about your family and other relationships to determine how you've overcome separation anxiety in the past.
Treatment for this disorder consists of talk therapy and, in certain cases medications. Your therapist can show you and your child ways to deal with their fears. They can also help you deal with situations that scare you by guiding you through the steps that helps your child learn how to deal with separations and increase their confidence. The medications can calm the brain, relax the body and help ease your child's fears.
Diagnosis
A person suffering from separation anxiety will feel extreme distress when they are away from their home or www.
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A mental health professional will interview and observe the patient's behavior in order to determine the cause of the disorder. The healthcare provider will ask when symptoms started and what causes them to get worse or improve. A mental health professional will inquire about recent events and the history of trauma dependent on the age of the patient.
The doctor will also attempt to determine whether the fear is a result of another medical condition that could cause similar symptoms, like an illness such as cancer or a neurological issue like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Other causes are family traumas like mental illness in the family, substance abuse, domestic violence and child neglect and abuse.
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 fears. A person who develops separation anxiety disorder in adulthood typically does so after experiencing trauma or a significant loss. Some studies suggest that people who suffer from separation disorders in childhood may be more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders later on in their lives.
Separation anxiety disorder can be treated in various ways. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as well as antidepressants, can help people overcome their fear. People with this disorder often benefit from education for parents and techniques to improve their relationship with their children.
Treatment
Separation anxiety disorder may be diagnosed when the child's fear of being around strangers and clinginess continues throughout the elementary school years, and is associated with physical symptoms and interferes in daily activities. According to the BetterHelp online therapy service that separation anxiety disorder is the most frequent anxiety disorder diagnosed in kids that affects up to 4 percent of them, with an age at onset of around 7 years.
The doctor who treats your child will conduct a thorough examination to rule out physical issues that could cause anxiety. If no physical issues are discovered, the healthcare provider for your child will refer them to an expert in anxiety disorders. For children it will 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 help them develop healthy ways of managing their emotions, building self-confidence and independence, and developing resilience. The therapist will also train parents on how they can assist their child and assist them deal with their anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is typically treated with medication, such as antidepressants such as selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
The therapist will decide which treatment option is best for your child based on their individual needs. For instance, children who suffer from severe anxiety might 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 by introducing them in small increments until they feel comfortable with them.
As children grow older, their symptoms usually decrease. However, some adults may experience symptoms of separation disorder in their adult life. This could make it difficult for them to keep relationships or achieve certain career goals, such as returning to school or relocating for work. Adults suffering from separation disorder are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders like depression, phobias, or post-traumatic disorder.
Prevention
Separation anxiety is common among many children. But for others it can turn into an issue that is serious and can interfere with their lives and blocks them from taking part in activities they like. Consult a mental health professional if your child's anxiety is affecting their daily routine.
Children suffering from separation anxiety suffer extreme stress when they are separated from their parents or other important attachment figures. They are constantly concerned about being kidnapped or lost or that an accident might cause them to lose the people closest to themselves. They might also have a hard time falling asleep alone at night, or they might refuse to go to school, camp or play dates with their parents.