A Retrospective The Conversations People Had About Anxiety Disorder Separation 20 Years Ago
Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorder affects adolescents and children who worry excessively when they are separated from their caregivers, parents, or other important people. They might also be concerned that being separated could have negative consequences, for example, being lost or hurt.
Children with separation anxiety disorder can get treatment through psychotherapy and medication. The child is taught to handle feared situations slowly, with assurance.
Symptoms
While some anxiety about being separated 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 with this condition are worried that something tragic will happen to their family member when they are separated, like losing their way or falling ill. They may also fear other situations that can separate them from their loved ones like being kidnapped or being involved in an accident.
The onset of this disorder usually occurs in childhood, though adults can be affected at any age. It's not known what causes adult separation anxiety however, it could be triggered by major life changes or by previous mental health disorders, like depression or PTSD. People with this condition may be overly dependent on their spouses or children and have trouble establishing boundaries. Some may view them as being too demanding and clingy.
This condition is marked by a high level of anxiety when a person is separated from their family, significant stress while away from home or working, and recurring dreams of separation. These symptoms can make people avoid travel or other activities that entail a physical separation from their families, for example, going to school. Children suffering from this condition could have physical issues, such as stomach pains when they are worried about being on their own.
To diagnose this disorder medical professionals will inquire about your your child's previous and current symptoms. They will inquire about your family, and other relationships to determine how you've dealt with separation anxiety before.
Talk therapy and, in a few instances, medications are used to treat this disorder. Your therapist will teach you and your child methods to cope with their fears. They can help you and your child learn how to deal with separations through a step by step process. Medications can help to calm the brain and relax the body, which can ease your child's anxiety.
Diagnosis
A person suffering from separation anxiety disorder will experience extreme stress when separated from home or close attachment figures. Unlike normal fear and worry that most people experience the symptoms of this disorder are long-lasting, usually lasting longer than four weeks in children and six months or longer in adults. They can cause significant disruption to daily life and function at work and school. The condition can also interfere with the ability of a person to form romantic relationships and socialize.
To determine the cause of this disorder A mental health professional will talk to the patient and observe his or her behavior. The provider will want to be aware of the time when symptoms began and what causes them to become more or less severe. A mental health professional will inquire about recent events and history of trauma in relation to the age of the patient.
The provider will also determine whether there is another medical condition that may cause similar symptoms. It could be a condition such as cancer, or a neurological disorder like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Other possible causes are childhood family adversities, such as parental mental illness, substance abuse or domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, as well as exposure to traumatizing events such as natural disasters or sexual assault, war or the loss of a loved one.
Diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in adults is more difficult, as there are no lab tests for the condition, and it may have a variety of symptoms with other anxiety disorders. A person 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 may be more likely to develop anxiety and depression disorders later on in their lives.
Separation anxiety disorder can be treated in various ways. People with separation anxiety disorder can overcome their fear with therapy, including cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) or medication such as selective serotonin receptor antagonists and antidepressants. People suffering from this disorder typically benefit from education for parents and techniques to improve their relationship with their children.
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 affects daily activities. In fact, according to the BetterHelp online therapy service that separation anxiety disorder is the most frequent anxiety disorder seen in children, affecting up to 4 percent of them with a onset age of 7 years old.
The doctor who treats your child will conduct a thorough examination to rule out physical ailments that could cause anxiety. If no physical issues are discovered the healthcare provider of your child will refer them to a mental health professional who has experience in anxiety disorders. For children, this will most likely be a psychiatrist or child psychologist.
Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) is often the first treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The therapy therapist will work with your child to help them learn healthy ways of managing their emotions, building self-confidence and independence, and building their resilience. The therapist will also train parents on how to help their child and aid them deal with their anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is typically treated with medication, such as antidepressants such as selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Based on the specific needs of your child's needs, the therapy therapist will determine which options are appropriate for them. Children who suffer from severe anxiety, for example, may benefit from a combination cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This involves gradually expose your child to situations that trigger anxiety over time in a series of small steps until they feel comfortable.
As children age their symptoms tend to decrease. However, some adults might be suffering from separation anxiety disorder throughout their adult lives. This makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships or pursue certain career goals, such as going back to college or moving for work. Adults suffering from separation anxiety disorder have a high rate of co-occurring disorders, including other anxiety disorders such as depression, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a variety of addiction disorders.
Prevention
For many kids, separation anxiety is an expected part of developing. However, for some, it can become an issue that is serious and can interfere with their lives and prevents them from participating in activities they enjoy. If your child's fears are disrupting their daily routine discuss it with a mental health professional.
Children suffering from separation anxiety disorder experience extreme distress when separated from their parents or other important attachment figures. They are constantly worried about being lost, kidnapped, or having an accident that will cause the loss of loved ones to them. They may also have trouble falling asleep alone at night or they may refuse to go to camps, school or play dates with their parents.
Doctors are not able to diagnose separation anxiety until the symptoms of a child have lasted at minimum four weeks. I Am Psychiatry may interview both the child and the parents in a separate session to obtain the complete picture. They might also inquire about other anxiety disorders, family history, and changes in life that may have caused or made separation anxiety more severe.
Treatment for separation anxiety differs based on the child's age, and the severity of symptoms. Children younger than 5 years old tend to express their anxiety through specific concerns about harm to their family members like the fear that their parents will get in a car accident or be attacked by burglars. However, older children with separation anxiety often deny they are worried about leaving the house.
Behavioral therapy is a typical treatment for children with separation anxiety. It usually involves teaching children relaxation techniques and helping them learn to recognize and manage their fears. In some instances it is necessary to combine treatments is employed, such as cognitive therapy and medication.
Adults must be consistent in their responses to children experiencing anxiety over separation. Children need to be taught that their pleas to parents to not leave aren't valid, and they'll only get better if they're given clear, precise boundaries and support as they work to overcome their fears.