Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorder is a problem that affects adolescents and children who worry frequently when they are not from their parents, caregivers or other important people. They might also be concerned that separation could have negative consequences, for example, being lost or hurt.
Children with separation anxiety disorders can get treatment through psychotherapy and medications. The child is taught to tackle the fearful situations slowly, and with confidence.
Signs and symptoms
Although some anxiety about being away from loved ones is normal separation anxiety disorder can cause people more anxious than other people when it comes to separating from family members and primary caregiving figures. People who suffer from this disorder are concerned that something terrible could occur to their family member when they are separated, such as losing their way or falling ill. They might also be afraid of other scenarios that could separate them from their loved ones like being kidnapped or getting into a car accident.
The onset of this disorder usually occurs in the earliest years of life, however adults can develop it at any age. It’s not known what causes adult separation anxiety, but it can be caused by major life changes or previous mental health issues, like depression or PTSD. People suffering from this disorder may feel overly dependent on their children or their romantic partners, and may lack boundaries. Others may perceive them as being overly demanding or clingy.
Symptoms of this condition include a high level of distress when a person is separated from their family, significant anxiety when they are away from their home or at work and frequent nightmares of separation. These symptoms can cause people to avoid traveling or other activities that require a physical separation from their families, for example, going to school. Children who suffer from this condition may have difficulty sleeping or suffer from a range of physical issues like headaches or stomach pains when they worry about being left alone.
To determine the severity of this disorder, medical professionals will inquire about your or your child’s past and present symptoms. They will also inquire about your family and other relationships to see how you’ve faced 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 how to cope with their fears. They can also assist you approach situations that are feared in a step-by-step process that can anxiety disorders go away help your child understand how to handle separations and increase their confidence. The medications can calm the mind and body, as well as reduce your child’s anxiety.
Diagnosis
A person suffering from separation anxiety disorder will feel extreme distress when separated from family members or close friends. In contrast to the normal anxiety and fear that many people suffer from the symptoms of this disorder are persistent, often lasting more than four weeks in children, and up to more than six months in adults. They can cause significant disruption to daily life and function at work and school. The condition can also hinder with a person’s ability create romantic relationships and socialize.
To diagnose this disorder A mental health professional will talk to the patient and observe his or her behavior. The provider will ask when symptoms started and what triggers them to get worse or improve. Based on the age of the patient an expert in mental health might also inquire about recent events that might be causing stress, as well as any previous trauma history.
The provider will also try to determine whether the phobia is a result of another medical condition that could cause similar symptoms, for example an illness, such as cancer or a neurological condition like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other causes include family traumas like parental mental illnesses and substance abuse, domestic violence and neglect and abuse of children.
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 fears. A person who develops separation anxiety disorder in adulthood typically experiences it after trauma or a significant loss. Certain studies suggest that those who have been diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder as children are more likely to be suffering from depression and does anxiety disorder ever go away disorders as they age.
Separation anxiety disorder can be treated in various ways. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidepressants, can help overcome their fears. Parents suffering from this disorder can benefit from strategies and education to strengthen their relationship with their child.
Treatment
Separation anxiety disorder can be diagnosed when a child’s fear of strangers and clinginess persists throughout elementary school, is accompanied with physical symptoms and impedes daily activities. 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 a onset age of about 7 years.
Your child’s doctor will perform an extensive exam to rule out physical problems that could be causing anxiety. If no physical issues are identified the healthcare provider of your child will refer them to a mental health professional with expertise in does anxiety disorder ever go away disorders. This could be a child psychiatrist or psychologist.
Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) is usually the first option for treating separation anxiety disorder. The therapy therapist will work with your child to help them develop healthy ways to manage their emotions, building self-confidence and independence, and building resilience. The therapist will anxiety disorder ever go away also educate parents on how to support their child and help them cope with their anxiety. The use of medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is often prescribed along with psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder.
The therapist will determine the best treatment option for your child based on their specific needs. Children who suffer from extreme anxiety, for instance could benefit from a mix of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as exposure therapy. This means gradually expose your child to situations that cause anxiety over time in a series of small steps until they become comfortable.
As children grow older their symptoms tend to decrease. However, some adults may be suffering from separation anxiety disorder throughout their adult lives. It can be challenging to maintain relationships or to pursue certain career goals like returning to school or moving to work. Adults suffering from separation anxiety disorder have a high percentage of co-occurring conditions like other anxiety disorders such as depression and phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a range of substance use disorders.
Prevention
Separation anxiety is common in many children. For others, separation anxiety can be a serious issue that can affect their lives and prevents them from participating in activities they love. Talk to a mental health specialist if your child’s fear is affecting their daily routine.
Children suffering from separation anxiety disorder suffer extreme stress when they are separated from their parents or other major family members. They are constantly worried about being abducted, lost or having an accident that will lead to the loss of people who are close to them. They might have difficulty falling asleep at night or refusing to go to school, play dates or camp without their parents.
The symptoms of separation anxiety in children must last for at least 4 weeks before a doctor can diagnose the problem. The healthcare provider can interview both the child and the parents individually to gather the complete picture. They may ask about other anxiety disorders, family history, and life events that could have caused or made the separation anxiety worse.
Treatment for anxiety disorder separation varies depending on the child’s age and the severity of the symptoms. Younger children tend to express their anxiety by expressing specific fears about harm to their loved ones like being worried that their parents might be hurt in a car accident or be attacked by an intruder. However older children with separation anxiety typically deny that they are worried about leaving the house.
Children with separation anxiety are often treated with behavioral therapy. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and assisting them to identify and manage their anxiety. In some cases, a combination of treatments is employed, including cognitive therapy and medication.
It is crucial for adults to be consistent in their responses to children’s separation anxiety. Children must be taught that their parents’ pleas not to let them go are not valid. They will only improve by receiving clear, definite boundaries and assistance in conquering their fears.