10 Factors To Know Regarding Anxiety Disorder Separation You Didn't Learn In School Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder affects adolescents and children who worry excessively when they are separated from their parents, caregivers or other important people. They might also be concerned that separation could have negative consequences, like being hurt or lost.

Children suffering from separation anxiety are treated through therapy and medication. The child is taught to handle the fearful situations slowly, and with reassurance.

Symptoms

While some anxiety over being away from loved ones is normal separation anxiety disorder causes people more anxious than others when it comes to being separated from family members and primary caregiver figures. People who suffer from this condition are afraid that something bad will happen to their family member if they are separated, for example, being lost or getting sick. They might also be worried about other situations that could keep them from their loved ones, for example, being kidnapped or being involved in an accident.

The onset of this disorder typically begins in the early years of childhood, but 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 by previous mental health issues, such as depression or PTSD. People who suffer from this disorder may feel too dependent on their children or romantic partners and exhibit poor boundaries. Some may see them as being too demanding or clingy.

The signs of this disorder include extreme stress when a person is cut off from their family, significant anxiety when they are away from home or work and frequent nightmares about separation. These symptoms can lead people to avoid traveling or other activities that entail a physical separation from their families, for example, going to school. Children with this condition may experience physical problems such as stomach pains when they are worried about being on their own.

A healthcare professional will ask you about your previous and current symptoms, or those of your child in order to determine if you suffer from separation anxiety. They will ask you about your family, and other relationships to determine how you've been able to manage separation anxiety before.

Treatment for this disorder consists of talking therapy and, in some cases medications. Your therapist will instruct you and your children how to deal with the anxiety. They can assist you and your child to learn to manage separations in a step-by- steps. Medications can help to calm the mind and relax the body, which can ease your child's anxiety.

Diagnosis

A person suffering from separation anxiety disorder will feel extreme distress when apart from family members or close friends. Contrary to the normal fears and anxieties that most people suffer from, the symptoms of this disorder are long-lasting, usually lasting for more than four weeks in children, and up to up to six months for adults. They cause major disruption to the daily routine and functioning at school and work. The condition can also cause problems with a person's ability to create romantic relationships and socialize.

To determine if this disorder is present, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and observe his or her behavior. The healthcare provider will want determine when the symptoms began and what triggers them to be more or less severe. Depending on the individual's age the mental health professional will also inquire about recent events that may have caused stress, as well as any past trauma.

The doctor will also determine if there is another medical condition that can cause similar symptoms. It could be due to an illness like cancer, or an underlying neurological disorder, such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other causes include family traumas like mental illness of the parents and domestic violence, substance abuse and neglect and abuse of children.

It can be difficult to diagnose separation anxiety disorder in adults because there aren't any lab tests and the symptoms may be similar to other phobias. Anyone who develops separation anxiety disorder in their adulthood typically experiences it after trauma or a significant loss. Certain studies suggest that those who were diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder in their childhood are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders later in life.

There are a variety of treatment options available for people with separation anxiety disorder. Treatment such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidepressants, can help people overcome the phobia. Parents who suffer from this disorder can benefit from techniques and training to strengthen their relationship with their child.

Treatment

Many children go through a phase where they are anxious and clingy to strangers When this fear persists into elementary school and beyond, is accompanied by physical symptoms, and interferes with daily functioning it could be an indication of separation anxiety disorder. According to BetterHelp an online therapy service for children that treat separation anxiety disorder, it affects up to 4% with an average age of 7 years.

Your child's doctor will perform an extensive exam to rule out physical issues that could be causing anxiety. If no physical problems are discovered the doctor who treats your child will refer them to a mental health professional with expertise in anxiety disorders. For children who are ill, this could be a child psychologist or psychiatrist.

anxiety disorder physical symptoms , also known as talk therapy, is often the first treatment option for separation anxiety disorder. The Therapist will help your child learn healthy ways to manage their emotions to increase self-confidence, confidence and independence, and build resilience. The therapist will also train parents on how to help their child and aid them with their anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is often treated by medication, for example antidepressants, such as selective serotoninin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs).

Depending on your child's specific needs, the counselor will determine what treatment options are best for their specific needs. Children with extreme anxiety, for instance might benefit from a mix of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This involves exposing your child to situations that trigger their anxiety gradually over time by introducing them in small increments until they feel at ease with them.

As children get older their symptoms tend to decrease. Some adults may still suffer from symptoms of separation disorder in their adulthood. It can be challenging to keep relationships going or to achieve certain career goals like returning to school or moving to work. Adults with separation anxiety disorder have a high rate of co-occurring conditions, such as other types of anxiety disorders, depression and phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a variety of addiction disorders.

Prevention

Separation anxiety is common among many children. But for others, it can become an issue that is serious and can interfere with their lives and stops them from taking part in activities they enjoy. Consult a mental health specialist if your child's fear is affecting their daily life.

Children suffering from separation anxiety disorder suffer extreme stress when they are separated from their parents or other significant attachment figures. They are constantly worried about being kidnapped, or lost or that an accident might result in the loss of those closest to themselves. They might have difficulty falling asleep at night or refusing to go to play dates, school or camp without their parents.

A child's separation anxiety symptoms must last at least four weeks before a doctor can determine the cause. The healthcare professional may interview both the child and parents separately to gather the complete picture. They may ask about other anxiety disorders or family history as well as life changes that might have caused or made separation anxiety more severe.

Treatment for separation anxiety disorder varies depending on the age of the child and the severity of symptoms. Children who are younger typically express their anxiety through specific worries about harm to their loved ones, such as the fear that their parents could be injured in a car accident or be attacked by a burglar. Separation anxiety in older children is usually dismissed by them.


Children who have anxiety about separation are often treated with behavioral therapy. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and assisting them to understand and manage their anxiety. In some cases it is necessary to combine treatments is employed, such as cognitive therapy and medication.

It's important for adults to be consistent in their responses to children's anxiety about separation. Children need to understand that their pleas to parents not to leave them are not valid. They will only be able to improve when they are given clear, unambiguous boundaries and help in conquering their fears.