Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Children and adolescents who suffer from separation anxiety disorder have a tendency to worry about being apart from their parents, caregivers or other important people in their lives. They might also worry about a possible negative outcome of separation, for example, being lost or getting hurt.

Children with separation anxiety disorder are treated through psychotherapy and medications. The child is taught to approach feared situations slowly, with reassurance.

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 condition are worried that something bad will occur to their family member if they are separated, like losing their way or falling ill. They might also be afraid of other circumstances that could separate them from their loved ones for example, being kidnapped or getting into a a car accident.

This anxiety disorder can affect people at any age. It's not known what causes separation anxiety in adults however, it could be triggered by significant life changes or previous mental health disorders, such as depression or PTSD. The sufferers of this disorder might feel overly dependent on their children or their romantic partners, and lack boundaries. Others may view them as being too clingy or demanding.

The symptoms of this condition include a high level of distress when someone is separated from their family, severe anxiety when they are away from work or home and frequent nightmares of separation. These symptoms can make people avoid traveling or engaging in other activities that involve a physical separation from family members, like going back to school. Children who suffer from this condition might suffer physical issues like stomach pains if they worry about being left alone.

To diagnose this disorder, the healthcare professional will inquire about your your child's past and present symptoms. They will ask you about your family, and other relationships, to see how you've faced separation anxiety in the past.

Treatment for this disorder includes talking therapy and, in some instances, medication. Your therapist will show you and your children how to cope with the fear. They can help you and your child learn how to deal with separations in a step-by- steps. The use of medication can help calm the mind and relax the body which can ease the anxiety of your child.

Diagnosis

Separation anxiety disorder causes a person to feel extreme anxiety when they are away from their home or other close family members. The symptoms of separation anxiety disorder are more persistent than normal anxiety and fear. They can last up to six months for adults and up to four weeks in children. They cause major disruptions to daily life at school, work, and home. The condition can also cause problems with the ability of a person to establish romantic relationships and socialize.

To diagnose this disorder, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and observe the patient's behavior. The healthcare provider will ask when symptoms began and what triggers them to get worse or improve. Depending on the individual's age the mental health professional might also inquire about any recent events that could be causing stress, as well as any past trauma.

The doctor will also attempt to determine whether the fear is due to another medical anxiety disorder condition that can cause similar symptoms, such as an illness such as cancer or a neurological disorder, such as cerebral palsy or multiple-sclerosis. Other possible causes are family-related adversities that affect children such as mental illness, substance abuse or child abuse, domestic violence and neglect, and experiences with trauma like natural catastrophes and sexual assault, war, or the death of a loved one.

The 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 phobias. Someone who develops separation anxiety disorder in their adulthood typically is a victim of a traumatic event or significant loss. Certain studies suggest that those who suffer from separation disorders in childhood are more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders later in life.

There are a variety of treatment options available for people with separation anxiety disorder. There are a variety of treatment options available to those suffering from. Individuals suffering from separation acute anxiety disorder can overcome their fear through therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or prescription medications such as selective serotonin receptor antagonists and antidepressants. Parents with this disorder can benefit from techniques and education to improve their relationship with their child.

Treatment

While many children experience a period when they become terrified of strangers and clingy, when this anxiety persists through the elementary years and beyond and is associated with physical symptoms, and interferes with daily functioning it could be an indication of separation anxiety disorder. According to BetterHelp an online therapy service for children that treat separation anxiety disorder, it affects up to 4%, with an average age of 7 years old.

Your child's doctor will conduct an extensive exam to rule out physical ailments that could be causing anxiety. If no physical problems are identified, your child's healthcare provider will refer them to a mental health professional with expertise in anxiety disorders. For children, this will most likely be a child psychologist or psychiatrist.

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is often the first course of treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The therapy therapist will assist your child to learn how to manage their feelings and increase self-confidence, independence, and build resilience. The therapist will instruct parents on how they can assist their child who is suffering from anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is usually treated by medication, for example antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

The therapist will determine the best anxiety disorder treatment treatment option for your child based upon their particular needs. For instance, children who suffer from extreme anxiety may benefit from a combination of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This is when your child is exposed to situations that cause anxiety gradually over time in small steps until they are comfortable with them.

Typically, children suffering from separation anxiety disorder will improve as they grow older and their symptoms diminish. However, some adults could be suffering from separation generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis disorder throughout their adult lives. It can be difficult for them maintain relationships or pursue certain career goals like returning to school or moving to work. Adults who suffer from separation anxiety are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, including other types of anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a variety of substance use disorders.

The following is a list of preventatives.

For many kids, separation generalized anxiety disorder gad is a normal part of development. For some, separation anxiety can be a major issue that can affect their lives and hinders their participation in the activities they enjoy. Talk to a mental health professional if your child's fear is affecting their daily life.

Children suffering from separation anxiety suffer extreme stress when they are separated from their parents or other major family members. They are always worried about being kidnapped or lost or that an accident might cause them to lose those closest to them. They might also have a hard time sleeping at night on their own or refusing to go to camps, school or play dates with their parents.

Doctors will not diagnose separation anxiety until the symptoms of a child last at minimum four weeks. Often, the healthcare provider will interview the child and their parents separately to get an accurate picture of the situation. They may ask about other anxiety disorders, family history, and life events that could have triggered or made the separation anxiety worse.

Treatment for separation anxiety is determined depending on the child's age and the severity of the symptoms. Children express their anxiety through worrying about their attachment figures. For instance they might be worried that their parents are in a car crash or harmed by a burglar. However, older children with separation anxiety often deny they are worried about leaving the house.

Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for children with separation anxiety. It typically involves teaching children relaxation techniques and teaching them to recognize and control their fears. In some instances there is a mix of treatments, such as cognitive therapy, is employed.

Adults should be consistent with their responses to children experiencing anxiety over separation. Kids need to know that their pleas for parents not to leave aren't valid, and they'll only improve if given clear, firm boundaries and a lot of support while they work to overcome their fears.