Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Children and adolescents who suffer from separation anxiety disorder worry excessively about being apart from their parents, caregivers or other significant people in their lives. They may also worry that separation could result in negative consequences, such as getting hurt or lost.

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

Symptoms

Separation anxiety disorder is more intense than normal anxiety in the event of being separated from family and primary caregivers. People suffering from this disorder fear that their family member could be the victim of a tragic incident when they are separated. This could include getting lost or falling ill. They may also fear other situations that could keep them from their loved ones, for example, being kidnapped or being involved in a car accident.

The first signs of this anxiety disorder typically occurs in childhood, though adults can develop it at any age. Adult separation anxiety isn't known to be caused by anything specific however it can be triggered by changes in life or depression. It can also be caused by PTSD. The people who suffer from this condition may be overly dependent on their children or their romantic partners and exhibit poor anxiety Disorder separation boundaries. Others can view them as overly clingy and demanding.

This condition is marked by a high level of anxiety when a person is separated from family, significant distress while away from home or at work, and recurrent dreams involving separation. These symptoms can lead people to avoid traveling or other activities that involve physical separation from their families, for example, going to school. Children who suffer from this condition might experience physical problems such as stomach pains when they are worried about being on their own.

To diagnose this disorder, a healthcare provider will ask about your your child's past and current symptoms. They will also ask you about your family and other relationships to determine how you've faced separation anxiety in the past.

Talk therapy and, in some instances, medication are used to treat this condition. Your therapist can show you and your child methods to cope with their fears. They can assist you and your child to understand how to handle separations in a step by steps. The medication can relax the mind and body, as well as reduce your child's anxiety.

Diagnosis

Separation anxiety disorder can cause a person to feel extreme stress when they are away from their home or other close family members. The symptoms of separation anxiety disorder can be more severe than normal anxiety disorders medications and fear. They can last up to six months in y school, and is associated with physical symptoms and interferes in everyday functioning. According to BetterHelp, an online therapy service for children, separation anxiety disorder is a problem that affects as many as 4% of children and has a median age of 7 years.

Your child's doctor will conduct a thorough examination to rule out physical issues 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 experience in anxiety disorders. It could be a child psychiatrist or psychologist.

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is usually the first option of treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The Therapist will work with your child to teach them healthy ways of managing their emotions, boosting confidence in themselves and their independence, and developing resilience. The therapist will also train parents on how to help their child and aid them cope with their anxiety. Separation anxiety disorders facts disorder is often treated by medication, for example antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Based on the specific needs of your child's needs, their therapy therapist will determine which options are best for their specific needs. Children with severe anxiety, like might benefit from a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as exposure therapy. This means gradually expose your child to situations that cause anxiety over time in small steps until they become comfortable.

As children age, their symptoms usually decrease. However, some adults could be suffering from separation anxiety throughout their adult lives. This could make it difficult for them to keep relationships or to pursue certain career goals, such as returning to school or relocating to work. Adults suffering from separation disorder are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as depression, phobias, or post-traumatic disorder.

The following is a list of preventions.

Separation anxiety is common among many children. But for others, it can become an issue that causes problems with their lives and stops them from taking part in activities they enjoy. Speak to a mental healthcare professional if your child's anxiety is affecting their daily life.

Children suffering from separation anxiety disorder suffer extreme anxiety when they are separated from their parents or other important attachment figures. They are constantly concerned about being snatched away or lost, or that an accident might result in the loss of those closest to themselves. They might also have trouble falling asleep alone at night or refusing to go to camps, school or play dates with their parents.

The symptoms of separation anxiety in children must last for at least 4 weeks before a doctor will diagnose the problem. The healthcare professional may interview both the child and parents in a separate session to gather the complete picture. They may ask questions about other anxiety disorders or changes in the life like family history and life events that may have triggered the separation anxiety.

Treatment for anxiety disorder separation varies depending on the age of the child and the severity of the symptoms. Children express their anxiety by worrying about their attachment figures. For example, they may worry that their parents could be in a car crash or harmed by a burglar. By contrast, older children with separation anxiety often deny they have any anxiety about leaving their home.

Children who have anxiety about separation are often treated with behavioral therapy. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and assisting them to recognize and control their anxiety. In some cases there is a mix of therapies, including cognitive therapy, is utilized.

Adults must be consistent in their responses to children experiencing separation anxiety. Children need to understand that their parents' pleas not to leave them are not valid. They can only grow by receiving clear, definite boundaries and support in overcoming their fears.