Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Children and adolescents suffering from separation anxiety disorder have a tendency to worry about being apart from their caregivers, parents or other important people in their lives. They might also worry about the possible negative effects of separation, like being lost or getting hurt.

Psychotherapy and medication can be used to treat children suffering from separation anxiety disorder. Therapy includes teaching the child to deal with fearful situations slowly by providing reassurance and encouragement.

Signs and symptoms

Separation anxiety disorder is more intense than normal anxiety in the event of being separated from family and primary caregivers. People with this condition fear that their loved ones will suffer a tragic event when they are separated. This could include getting lost or falling ill. They might also be afraid of other scenarios that could separate them from their loved ones such as being abducted or getting into a car accident.

This anxiety disorder can be experienced by adults at any age. It isn't known what causes adult separation anxiety however, it could be caused by major life changes or prior mental health issues such as depression or PTSD. People suffering from this disorder may feel overly dependent on children or their romantic partners, and may lack boundaries. Others may see them as being too clingy and demanding.

This condition is marked by a high level of distress when one is cut off from family, significant distress when away from home or at work, and frequent dreams involving separation. These symptoms can cause people to avoid travel or other activities that entail the physical separation of their families, such as going to school. Children suffering from this condition could suffer physical issues such as stomach pains when they are worried about being left alone.

To diagnose this disorder, medical professionals will inquire about your your child's previous and current symptoms. They will ask you about your family, and other relationships to determine how you've dealt with separation anxiety before.

Treatment for this disorder consists of talking therapy and, in certain cases medication. Your therapist will show you and your children how to cope with the fears. They can also assist you to approach feared situations by guiding you through the steps that can help your child understand how to handle separations and increase their confidence. The medicines can help calm the mind and relax the body to reduce your child's anxiety.

Diagnosis

A person suffering from separation anxiety disorder will experience extreme stress when they are away from their home or close attachment figures. In contrast to the normal anxiety and fear that people generally feel, the symptoms of this disorder are persistent, often lasting more than four weeks in children, and up to more than six months for adults. They cause major disruption to daily life and function at work and school. It can also affect the social life of a person and their ability to form romantic relationships.

To determine if this disorder is present, a mental health professional will interview the patient and observe their behavior. The provider will want to determine when the symptoms began and what triggers them to be worse or better. Depending on the person's age the mental health professional might also inquire about recent events that may have caused stress and any past trauma.

The provider will also try to determine if the phobia is the result of a different medical condition that can cause similar symptoms, for example an illness, such as cancer or a neurological issue like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other causes include childhood family traumas like parental mental illnesses and domestic violence, abuse of substances and child abuse and neglect.

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 fears. Separation anxiety disorder is more frequent among adults who have suffered an emotional trauma or a major loss. Some studies indicate that people who suffer from separation disorders in childhood are more likely to develop anxiety and depression disorders later on in their lives.

A variety of treatment options are available to those suffering from separation anxiety disorder. There are many treatment options available for people suffering from. Individuals suffering from separation anxiety can overcome their fear through therapy, like a cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) or medication like selective serotonin antagonists and antidepressants. People suffering from this disorder usually benefit from education for parents and techniques to improve their relationship with their children.

Treatment

Separation anxiety disorder is diagnosed when the child's fear of being around strangers and clinginess continues throughout the elementary school years, and is accompanied with physical symptoms, and affects daily functioning. In fact, according to the BetterHelp online therapy service that separation anxiety disorder is the most prevalent anxiety disorder that is diagnosed in children with up to 4% of them, with a onset age of about 7 years.

Your child's healthcare provider will perform a thorough exam to rule out any physical problems that could be causing anxiety. If no physical problems are identified, your child's healthcare provider will refer them to an expert in mental health who has experience in anxiety disorders. This will likely be a child psychiatrist or psychologist.

Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) is often the first option cure for anxiety disorder treating separation anxiety disorder. The Therapist will assist your child to teach them healthy ways to manage their feelings, increasing confidence and independence, as well as building their resilience. The therapist will also educate parents on ways to help their child with anxiety. Medication, including antidepressants like selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed along with psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder.

Depending on your child's specific requirements, their counselor will determine what treatment options are most appropriate for their specific needs. Children with severe anxiety, like might benefit from a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure therapy. This involves gradually exposing your child to the situations that cause anxiety over time in a series of small steps until they are comfortable.

Often, children with separation anxiety disorder improve as they get older, and their symptoms will decrease. Some adults may still have symptoms of separation anxiety throughout their adult lives. It can anxiety disorders be cured be difficult for them maintain relationships or to pursue certain career goals, such as returning to school or moving to work. Adults suffering from separation disorder are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders like depression, phobias, and post-traumatic disorder.

Prevention

Separation anxiety is common among many children. For some, separation anxiety can be a major issue that affects their lives and prevents them from participating in activities they love. Talk to a mental health professional if your child's anxiety is affecting their daily routine.

Separation anxiety disorder is a disorder in which children experience extreme anxiety when they are separated from their parents or other figures of attachment. They are constantly concerned about being kidnapped or lost or that an accident will cause them to lose the people closest to them. 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 have lasted at minimum four weeks. The healthcare provider can interview both the child and parents separately to gather the complete picture. They may ask questions regarding other anxiety disorders or changes in the life such as family history and life events that may trigger the separation anxiety.

Treatment for anxiety disorder separation varies by the child's age and the severity of the symptoms. Children express anxiety by worrying about their attachment figures. For instance they might worry that their parents could be involved in a car accident or be attacked by a burglar. In contrast, older children with separation anxiety often deny they are anxious about leaving home.

Behavioral therapy is a common treatment for children suffering from separation anxiety. It typically involves teaching children relaxation techniques and helping them learn to recognize and control their anxieties. In some cases, a combination of therapies is used, including medication and cognitive therapy.

It is crucial for adults to be consistent in their responses to children's anxiety about separation. Kids need to know that their requests for parents not to leave are not valid and they will only improve if they're given clear, firm boundaries and a lot of support while they work to overcome their fears.