Watch Out: What Anxiety Disorder Separation Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorders affect children and adolescents who worry overly when they are away from their parents, caregivers or other significant people. They might also worry about the negative consequences of separation, such as being lost or getting injured.
Children suffering from separation anxiety can be treated with therapy and medication. The child is taught to handle feared situations slowly, with confidence.
Signs and symptoms
Separation anxiety disorder is more severe than normal anxiety when it comes to being separated from family members and primary caregivers. People with this condition are afraid that something tragic will happen to their family member if they are separated, like losing their way or falling ill. They might also be afraid of other scenarios that could make them separated from their loved ones, for example, being kidnapped or getting into a a car accident.
The onset of this anxiety disorder typically begins in childhood, though adults can be affected at any time. It isn't known what causes separation anxiety in adults, but it can be caused by major life changes or previous mental health issues, like depression or PTSD. The people who suffer from this disorder may feel too dependent on their children or their romantic partners and display a lack of boundaries. Some may see them as too demanding or clingy.
This condition is characterized by excessive anxiety when a person is separated from family, significant distress when away from home or at work, and recurrent dreams of separation. These symptoms can lead people to avoid travel or other activities that entail a physical separation from their families, like going to school. Children who suffer from this condition may have difficulty sleeping or may experience a variety of physical problems like headaches or stomachaches, when they worry about being alone.
A healthcare professional will inquire with you about your past and current symptoms, or those of your child to diagnose separation anxiety. They will inquire about your family, and other relationships, to see how you've faced separation anxiety in the past.
Talk therapy and, in a few instances, medication are used to treat this disorder. Your therapist will teach you and your children how to deal with the fears. They can also guide you deal with situations that scare you through a step-by-step method that will help your child learn how to handle separations and build up their confidence. Medicines can help to relax the mind and relax the body, which can help ease your child's anxiety.
Diagnosis
Separation anxiety disorder can cause people to experience extreme anxiety when they are away from their home or close attachment figures. Contrary to the normal fears and anxieties that people generally feel, the symptoms of this disorder are long-lasting, usually lasting longer than four weeks for children and six months or longer in adults, and they cause major disruption to the daily routine and functioning at school and work. It can also impact a person's socialization and ability to develop romantic relationships.
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 determine when the symptoms began and what triggers them to be more or less severe. A mental health professional will ask about recent events and trauma history in relation to the age of the person.
The doctor will also decide if there is another medical condition that may cause similar symptoms. It could be an illness such as cancer, or a neurological disorder like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Other possible causes are family-related adversities that affect children like parental mental illness, addiction to drugs or child abuse, domestic violence and neglect, as well as exposure to traumatizing events, such as natural catastrophes and sexual assault, war or the loss of a loved one.
It can be difficult to diagnose separation anxiety disorder in adults because there are no lab tests and the symptoms may be similar to other phobias. Separation anxiety disorder is more frequent among adults who have suffered trauma or a significant loss. Some studies indicate that people diagnosed with separation disorder in childhood may be more likely to develop anxiety and depression disorders later in life.
Several treatment options are available for those suffering from separation anxiety disorder. There are a variety of treatment options available to those suffering from. Treatment such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidepressants, can help people overcome their fears. Parents with this disorder can benefit from methods and education to strengthen their relationship with their child.
Treatment
Separation anxiety disorder is diagnosed when children's fear of strangers and clinginess persists throughout elementary school, is manifested by physical symptoms, and affects daily functioning. In fact, according to the BetterHelp online therapy service the disorder of separation anxiety is the most prevalent anxiety disorder diagnosed in kids, affecting up to 4 percent of them with an onset age of about 7 years.
The doctor who treats your child will conduct an exhaustive exam to rule out physical issues that could cause anxiety. If no physical problems are discovered then the healthcare provider for your child will refer them to an anxiety disorder specialist. It could be a psychologist or child psychiatrist.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is often the first option of treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The therapist will help your child learn how to manage their emotions, increase self-confidence, independence, and build resilience. The therapist will also educate parents on how they can assist their child who is suffering from anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is usually treated with medication, such as antidepressants such as selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Based on your child's individual requirements, their therapy therapist will determine which options are appropriate for the child. For instance, children suffering from severe anxiety may benefit from a combination of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This involves exposing your child to situations that trigger their anxiety gradually by introducing them in small increments until they are comfortable with them.
As children get older, their symptoms usually decrease. However, some adults may suffer from symptoms of separation disorder in their adult life. It can be challenging to maintain relationships or pursue certain career goals like returning to college or going to work. Adults suffering from separation disorder are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression, phobias, and post-traumatic disorder.
The following is a list with preventions.
Separation anxiety is common among many children. For others, anxiety over separation can be a serious issue that can affect their lives and prevents participation in the activities they enjoy. If your child's anxiety is disrupting their daily routines discuss it with a mental health professional.
Separation anxiety disorder is a condition in which children experience extreme distress when they are away from their parents or other family members. They are always worried about being abducted, lost or having an accident that will result in the loss of people who are close to them. They may also have a hard time sleeping at night on their own, or they might refuse to go to camp, school or play dates without their parents.
Doctors will not diagnose separation anxiety until the symptoms of a child last at minimum four weeks. Most often, the healthcare professional will interview the child and their parents separately to obtain an entire picture of the situation. They might also inquire about other anxiety disorders, family history, and life changes that might have triggered or made the separation anxiety more severe.
Treatment for separation anxiety is dependent on the child's age, and the severity of symptoms. Children who are younger typically express their anxiety through specific worries about harm to their attachment figures for example, being worried that their parents will get in a car crash or be attacked by burglars. Separation anxiety in older children is usually denied by them.
treatments for anxiety disorders is a typical treatment for children with separation anxiety. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and assisting them to recognize and control their anxiety. In some cases, a mixture of therapies, including cognitive therapy, is utilized.
It's important for adults to be consistent in their responses to children's anxiety about separation. Children must be taught that their requests for parents to stay home aren't valid, and they'll only improve if they're provided with clear, definite boundaries and support as they work to overcome their fears.