Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Children and adolescents who suffer from separation anxiety disorder have a tendency to worry about being separated from their caregivers, parents or other important people in their lives. They might also be concerned that being separated could have negative consequences, like getting hurt or lost.

Children with separation anxiety disorders can get treatment through psychotherapy and medication. The child is taught to handle difficult situations slowly, with assurance.

Symptoms

Separation anxiety disorder is more severe than normal anxiety in the event of being separated from family members and primary caregivers. People suffering from this disorder are worried that their family member will be the victim of a tragic event if they are separated. This could mean getting lost 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 anxiety disorder usually occurs in the earliest years of life, however adults can develop it at any time. It's unclear what causes separation anxiety in adults however it could be caused by major life changes or by prior mental health issues like depression or PTSD. People who suffer from this disorder may feel too dependent on their children or their romantic partners and have trouble establishing boundaries. Others can view them as being too demanding and clingy.

This condition is characterized by extreme distress when someone is separated from their family, a significant amount of distress while away from home or working, and recurring thoughts of separation. These symptoms can make people avoid traveling or other activities that require a physical separation from their families, for example, going to school. Children with this condition may have difficulty sleeping or experience a variety of physical issues, such as headaches or stomach pains when they are worried about being alone.

To diagnose 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 see how you've faced 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 also assist you to approach feared situations in a step-by-step process that will help your child learn how to deal with separations and increase their confidence. Medicines can help to relax the brain and relax the body which can ease your child's anxiety.

Diagnosis

Separation anxiety disorder causes a person to feel extreme anxiety when they are away from their home or close family members. The symptoms types of anxiety disorders separation anxiety are more persistent than normal anxiehavioral therapy (CBT) or prescription medications like selective serotonin antagonists and antidepressants. People with this disorder often benefit from education for parents and methods to improve their relationship with their children.

Treatment

Separation anxiety disorder can be diagnosed when the child's fear of being around strangers and clinginess persists throughout elementary school, is manifested by physical symptoms and interferes in everyday functioning. According to BetterHelp an online therapy service for children that treat separation anxiety disorder, it is a problem that affects as many as 4% of children with an average age of 7 years.

Your child's doctor will conduct an extensive exam to rule out physical ailments that could cause anxiety. If no physical problems are discovered the healthcare provider of your child will refer them to a mental health professional who has experience in anxiety disorders. This will likely be a child psychiatrist or psychologist.

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is usually the first option of treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The therapist will work with your child to help them learn healthy ways to manage their feelings, increasing self-confidence and independence, and developing resilience. The therapist will also educate parents on how to assist their child and assist them deal with their anxiety. The use of medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are typically prescribed along with psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder.

The therapist will decide the best treatment plan for your child based upon their particular needs. Children with severe anxiety, for example could benefit from a combination cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as exposure therapy. This involves exposing your child to situations that cause mild anxiety disorder gradually by introducing them in small increments until they feel comfortable with them.

As children age their symptoms tend to decrease. There are some adults who experience symptoms of separation disorder throughout their adult lives. This makes it difficult to maintain relationships or pursue certain career goals, like returning to college or relocating for work. Adults who suffer from separation anxiety have a high percentage of co-occurring disorders, including other anxiety disorders such as depression and phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a range of substance use disorders.

The following is a list of preventions.

For many children with separation anxiety, it's an inevitable part of the development process. But for others it can turn into a serious problem that interferes with their lives and prevents them from engaging in activities they enjoy. Talk to a mental health professional if your child's anxiety affects their daily routine.

Children with separation anxiety disorder suffer extreme stress when they are separated from their parents or other major attachment figures. They are constantly worried about being kidnapped, or lost, or that an accident could cause them to lose the people closest to themselves. They may have trouble falling asleep at night or refuse to go to school, play dates, or camp without their parents.

Doctors do not diagnose separation anxiety until the signs of a child last at least four weeks. The healthcare provider may interview both the child and the parents individually to get the full picture. They may ask questions regarding other anxiety disorders or life changes such as family history and life events that might have triggered the separation anxiety.

Treatment for separation anxiety disorder is dependent on the child's age, and the severity of the symptoms. Children express anxiety by worrying about their attachment figures. For example, they may worry that their parents might be in a car crash or harmed by a burglar. In contrast older children with separation anxiety typically deny that they are worried about leaving their home.

Behavioral therapy is a common treatment for children suffering from separation anxiety. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and helping them understand and separation anxiety disorder manage their anxiety. In some cases it is necessary to combine treatments is employed, such as medication and cognitive therapy.

It's important for adults to be consistent in their responses to children's separation anxiety. Kids need to know that their pleas to parents to not leave are not valid, and they will only get better if they're given clear, precise boundaries and a lot of support while they work to overcome their fears.