Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is a problem that affects children and adolescents who worry overly when they are away from their caregivers, parents or other significant people. They may also worry about the negative consequences of separation, like getting lost or injured.

Psychotherapy and medication are a great option to treat children with separation anxiety disorder. The child is taught to approach difficult situations slowly, with assurance.

Signs and symptoms

Separation anxiety disorder is more intense than normal anxiety in the event of being separated from family members and primary caregivers. People who suffer from this disorder are concerned that something tragic will occur to their family member if they are separated, such as 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 being involved in an accident.

The first signs of this anxiety disorder usually occurs in the earliest years of life, however adults can develop it at any time. It’s not known what causes separation anxiety in adults however it could be triggered by major life changes or previous mental health issues, such as depression or PTSD. People suffering from this disorder may feel overly dependent on children or romantic partners, and lack boundaries. Others may perceive them as being too demanding or clingy.

This condition is characterized by excessive distress when someone is separated from their family, a significant amount of distress when away from home or working, and recurring dreams involving separation. These symptoms can cause people to avoid travel or other activities that require the physical separation of their families, such as going to school. Children with this condition may have trouble sleeping or experience a variety of physical problems like headaches or stomachaches, when they are worried about being alone.

To diagnose this disorder medical professionals will inquire about your your child’s past and present symptoms. They will also ask you about your family and other relationships to determine how you have overcome separation anxiety in the past.

Talk therapy and, in a few instances, medications are used to treat this disorder. Your therapist can teach you and your child ways to cope with their fears. They can help you and your child understand how to handle separations through a step by procedure. Medications can help to calm the brain and relax the body which can ease the anxiety of your child.

Diagnosis

A person suffering from separation anxiety disorder will feel extreme distress when they are away from their the home or close family members. Unlike normal fear and worry that most people suffer from the symptoms of this disorder are long-lasting, usually lasting more than four weeks drugs for anxiety disorder children and up to six months in adults, and they create major disruptions to daily activities and performance at school and work. The condition can also interfere with a person’s ability to create romantic relationships and socialize.

A mental health professional will interview and observe the patient’s behavior in order to determine the cause of the disorder. The provider will want to be aware of the time when symptoms began and what causes anxiety disorders causes them to become more or less severe. A mental health professional will inquire about recent events and trauma history dependent on the age of the patient.

The doctor will also determine whether there is a medical condition that could cause similar symptoms. This may 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 of the parents or domestic violence, substance abuse and neglect and abuse of children.

Diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in adults is more difficult since there aren’t any lab tests for the condition, and it can share many symptoms with 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 were diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder as children are more likely to be suffering from social anxiety disorder and depression later in life.

A variety of treatment options are available to those suffering from separation anxiety disorder. There are many treatment options available for people suffering from. People with separation anxiety disorder can overcome their phobia through therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or medications such as selective serotonin receptor antagonists and antidepressants. People suffering from this disorder usually benefit from parent education and techniques to improve the quality of their relationship with their children.

Treatment

Although many children go through a phase when they become anxious and clingy to strangers, when this anxiety persists into elementary school and beyond and is associated with physical symptoms, and interferes with daily functioning it could be a sign of separation anxiety disorder. In fact, according to the BetterHelp online therapy service that separation anxiety disorder is the most frequent anxiety disorder seen in children with 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 problems that could cause anxiety. If no physical ailments 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 known as talk therapy) is typically the first treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The Therapist will help your child learn how to manage their emotions, increase self-confidence, independence, and build resilience. The therapist will also educate parents on ways they can help their child with anxiety. Medication, including antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are typically used in conjunction with psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder.

The therapist will determine which treatment option is Best Anxiety Disorder Treatment for your child based upon their particular needs. For instance, children suffering from severe anxiety might benefit from a combination of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This involves exposing your child to situations that trigger their anxiety gradually by introducing them in small increments until they are comfortable with them.

Most often, children suffering from separation anxiety disorder improve as they get older and their symptoms decrease. However, some adults may have symptoms of separation anxiety throughout their adult lives. It can be difficult to maintain relationships or pursue certain career goals like returning to college or moving to work. Adults who suffer from separation disorder are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression, phobias, or post-traumatic disorder.

Prevention

For many kids who are anxious about separation, it is a normal part of development. For others it can turn into an issue that causes problems with their lives and blocks them from participating in activities they like. Consult a mental health professional if your child’s fear is affecting their daily life.

Separation anxiety disorder is a condition where children suffer from extreme distress when separated from parents or other figures of attachment. They are constantly worried about being kidnapped, or lost or that an accident might cause them to lose those closest to them. They may have trouble falling asleep at night or refusing to go to play dates, school or camp without their parents.

The signs of separation anxiety in children must last at least four weeks before a doctor will diagnose the condition. The healthcare provider can interview both the child as well as the parents separately to obtain the complete picture. They may inquire about any other anxiety disorders, family history, and life events that could have caused or made separation anxiety more severe.

Treatment for separation anxiety disorder treatments anxiety is dependent on the child’s age, and the severity of symptoms. Children younger than 5 years old tend to express their anxiety through specific concerns about harm to their family members for example, being worried that their parents might be hurt in a car accident or be attacked by a burglar. By contrast older children who suffer from separation anxiety usually deny that they have any seasonal anxiety disorder about leaving the house.

Behavioral therapy is a common treatment for children with separation anxiety. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and helping them identify and manage their anxiety. In some instances it is necessary to combine therapies, such as cognitive therapy, is used.

Adults must be consistent in their responses to children who are experiencing anxiety over separation. Kids need to know that their pleas for parents not to leave are not valid, and they’ll only get better if they’re given clear, precise boundaries and a lot of support while they work to overcome their fears.