Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is a problem that affects children and adolescents who fret frequently when they are not from their caregivers, parents, or other important people. They might also be concerned that separation could result in negative consequences, such as being lost or hurt.

Psychotherapy and medication can be used to treat children with separation anxiety disorder. The child is taught to tackle the fearful situations slowly, and with confidence.

Symptoms

While some anxiety over being separated from loved ones is normal, separation anxiety disorder makes people much more intensely anxious than other people when it comes to the separation from family members and primary caregiver figures. People suffering from this disorder fear that their family member could be the victim of a tragic event if they are separated. This could mean getting lost or becoming sick. They might also be afraid of other situations that could keep them from their loved ones for example, being kidnapped or being involved in an accident.

This anxiety disorder can affect adults at any age. It's unclear what causes separation anxiety in adults however, it could be triggered by major life changes or by previous mental health disorders, such as depression or PTSD. The sufferers of this disorder might feel a lot dependent on children or romantic partners, and lack boundaries. Others can view them as excessively clingy and demanding.

This condition is characterized by extreme anxiety when a person is separated from their family, significant stress while away from home or at work, and frequent dreams involving separation. These symptoms can make people avoid travel or other activities that require physical separation from family members, like returning to school. Children who suffer from this condition might experience physical problems such as stomach pains when they are worried about being left alone.

A healthcare professional will ask you about your past and current symptoms, or those of your child in order to diagnose separation anxiety. They will also ask you about your family and other relationships to find out how you have overcome separation anxiety in the past.

Treatment for this disorder consists of talk therapy and, in some cases medications. Your therapist will teach you and your child how to manage their fears. They can help you and your child to learn how to deal with separations in a step by steps. Medications can help to calm the mind and relax the body which can ease the anxiety of your child.

Diagnosis

A person suffering from separation anxiety will feel extreme distress when they are away from their home or close attachment figures. In contrast to the normal anxiety and fear that most people experience the symptoms of this disorder can be persistent, typically lasting for more than four weeks in children, and up to up to six months for adults. They create major disruptions to the daily routine and functioning at work and school. The condition can also hinder with a person's ability create romantic relationships and socialize.

A mental health professional will interview and observe the patient's behavior in order to diagnose the disorder. The doctor will inquire about when symptoms started and what triggers them to get worse or improve. Depending on the individual's age the mental health professional might also inquire about recent events that might have caused stress, as well as any past trauma.

The provider will also determine whether there is a medical condition that could cause similar symptoms. This could be an illness such as cancer, or a neurological disorder like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other possible causes include family-related adversities that affect children, such as parental mental illness, substance abuse, child abuse, domestic violence and neglect, as well as experiences with trauma, such as natural catastrophes and war, sexual assault or the death of a loved one.

The diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in adults - olderworkers.com.Au - is more difficult, as there are no lab tests for the condition and it can share many symptoms with other anxiety disorders. Separation anxiety disorder is more common among adults who have suffered a traumatic experience or significant loss. Some studies suggest that people diagnosed with separation disorder in childhood may be more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders later on in their lives.

Separation anxiety disorder can be treated in various ways. Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidepressants, can assist people to overcome their fear. Parents suffering from this disorder can benefit from methods and education to strengthen their relationship with their child.

Treatment

Separation anxiety disorder is diagnosed when a child's fear of strangers and clinginess persists throughout elementary school, is manifested by physical symptoms and impedes daily functioning. According to BetterHelp an online therapy service for children that treat separation anxiety disorder, it can affect up to 4% of children, with a median age of 7 years old.

Your child's doctor will perform an exhaustive exam to rule out physical problems that could cause anxiety. If no physical ailments are found then the healthcare provider for your child will refer them to an anxiety disorder specialist. For children, this will most likely be a child psychologist or psychiatrist.

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is often the first course of treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The Therapist will help your child discover healthy ways to manage their feelings to increase self-confidence, confidence and independence, and build resilience. The therapist will also educate parents on how they can help their child with anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is often treated with medication, including antidepressants, such as selective serotoninin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs).

Based on your child's individual needs, the therapist will determine which treatment options are appropriate for their specific needs. Children with extreme anxiety, for instance might benefit from a mix of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure therapy. This means exposing your child to situations that trigger their anxiety gradually, in small steps, until they feel comfortable with them.

Often, children with separation anxiety disorder improve as they age, and their symptoms will decrease. However, some adults may still suffer from symptoms of separation anxiety disorder throughout their adult lives. It can be challenging for them keep relationships going or to achieve certain career goals like returning to school or moving to work. Adults who suffer from separation anxiety have a high rate of co-occurring disorders, including other anxiety disorders, depression, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder, and a variety of addiction disorders.

The following is a list with preventions.

Separation anxiety is common in many children. For others, anxiety over separation can be a major issue that interferes in their lives and hinders their participation in the activities they enjoy. If your child's worries are disrupting their routine discuss it with a mental health professional.

Separation anxiety disorder is a disorder in which children experience extreme distress when they are away from their parents or other attachment figures. They are always worried about being snatched away or lost or that an accident might cause them to lose the people closest to themselves. They may have trouble falling asleep at night or refusing to go to school, play dates or camp without parents.

Doctors are not able to diagnose separation anxiety until the signs of a child have lasted at least four weeks. The healthcare professional may interview both the child as well as the parents individually to obtain the complete picture. They might also inquire about other anxiety disorders, family history, and life events that could have caused or made the separation anxiety disorder help near me worse.

Treatment for anxiety disorder separation differs depending on the age of the child and the severity of the symptoms. Children express anxiety by worrying about their attachment figures. For example they might worry that their parents might be in a car crash or be attacked by a burglar. Separation anxiety in older children is often dismissed by them.

Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for children suffering from separation anxiety. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children, and helping them identify and manage their anxiety. In some instances it is necessary to combine therapies, such as cognitive therapy, is employed.

It is crucial for adults to be consistent in their responses to children's anxiety about separation. Children need to be aware that their pleas to parents not to leave them not valid. They will only be able to improve by receiving clear, firm boundaries, and support in overcoming their fears.