Anxiety Disorder Separation Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder affects adolescents and children who worry frequently when they are not from their caregivers, parents, or other important people. They may also worry that separation could have negative consequences, for example, being lost or hurt.

Children with separation anxiety disorder can get treatment through therapy and medication. Therapy includes teaching the child to approach feared situations gradually, with reassurance and support.

Symptoms

Separation anxiety disorder is more severe than normal anxiety in relation to being separated from family and primary caregivers. People suffering from this condition are afraid that something terrible could occur to their family member while they are separated, for example, getting lost or becoming ill. They might also be scared of other circumstances that could separate them from their loved ones for example, being kidnapped or getting into a an accident in a vehicle.

This anxiety disorder can affect adults at any age. Adult separation anxiety isn't known to be caused by anything specific however it could be caused by life changes such as depression, depression, or PTSD. People with this condition may feel a lot dependent on children or their romantic partners, and may lack boundaries. Others can view them as overly demanding and 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 involving separation. These symptoms can lead people to avoid traveling or other activities that entail physical separation from their families, for example, going to school. Children suffering from this condition could suffer physical issues such as stomach pains when they are worried about being on their own.

To diagnose this disorder the healthcare professional will inquire about your your child's past and current symptoms. They will also ask you about your family and other relationships to see how you've overcome separation anxiety in the past.

Talk therapy and, in a few instances, medications are used to treat this condition. Your therapist will teach you and your child how to deal with their fears. They can assist you and your child understand how to handle separations in a step by procedure. Medications can help to calm the brain and relax the body which can ease the anxiety of your child.

Diagnosis

Separation anxiety disorder can cause a person to feel extreme stress when they are away from their home or other close attachment figures. Contrary to the normal fears and anxieties that most people suffer from these symptoms disorder are long-lasting, usually lasting longer than four weeks in children, and up to up to six months in adults, and they create major disruptions to daily activities and performance at school and work. 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 to diagnose the disorder. The healthcare provider will ask when symptoms first started and what triggers them to get worse or improve. Based on the age of the patient, a mental health professional may also ask about any recent events that may have caused stress and any past trauma.

The provider will also determine whether there is another medical condition that can cause similar symptoms. It could be a condition such as cancer or an underlying neurological disorder, such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other causes include childhood family problems like mental illness in the family or domestic violence, abuse of substances and child abuse and neglect.

Diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in adults is more difficult, as there are no lab tests for the condition and it can share many symptoms with other fears. Someone who develops a separation anxiety disorder in adulthood usually is a victim of a traumatic event or significant loss. There are studies that suggest that those who were diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder in childhood are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders in adulthood.

what causes anxiety disorders  can be treated in various ways. Individuals suffering from separation anxiety can overcome their phobia through therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or medications like selective serotonin receptor antagonists and antidepressants. People with this disorder often benefit from education for parents and methods to improve their relationship with their children.

Treatment

While many children experience a period that makes them anxious and clingy to strangers If this fear persists through the elementary years and beyond, is associated with physical symptoms, and interferes with daily functioning, it may be a sign of separation anxiety disorder. According to BetterHelp an online therapy service for children, separation anxiety disorder affects up to 4%, with a median age of 7 years.

The healthcare provider for your child will conduct a thorough exam to rule out any physical problems that could be causing anxiety. If no physical issues 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 referred to 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 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, including antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

The therapist will decide the best treatment option for your child based upon their particular needs. For instance, children who suffer from extreme anxiety may benefit from a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This means gradually exposing your child to the situations that cause anxiety over time in a series of small steps until they are comfortable.

Often, children with separation anxiety disorder improve as they age and their symptoms diminish. Some adults may still experience symptoms of separation disorder in their adulthood. It can be difficult to maintain relationships or pursue certain career goals, such as returning to school or moving to work. Adults suffering from separation anxiety disorder are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions, such as other anxiety disorders such as depression and phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a variety of substance use disorders.

Prevention

Separation anxiety is a common occurrence in many children. For others it can be an issue that is serious and can interfere with their lives and prevents them from taking part in activities they like. Speak to a mental healthcare professional if your child's fear is affecting their daily life.

Children with separation anxiety disorder suffer extreme stress when they are separated from their parents or other significant relationships. They are always worried about being abducted, lost, or having an accident that will result in the loss of those closest to them. They may also have trouble falling asleep alone at night, or they might refuse to go to camp, school or play dates without their parents.

Doctors do not diagnose separation anxiety until the symptoms of a child have lasted at least four weeks. The healthcare provider may interview both the child and the parents in a separate session to get the full picture. They may inquire about anxiety disorders that are not related to separation anxiety or family history as well as life changes that might have caused or made the separation anxiety worse.

Treatment for separation anxiety differs based on the child's age, and the severity of the symptoms. Younger children typically express their anxiety by expressing specific fears about harm to their attachment figures like a fear that their parents could be injured in a car accident or be attacked by an intruder. In contrast, older children with separation anxiety often deny they are worried about leaving their home.

Behavioral therapy is a common treatment for children suffering from separation anxiety. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children, and helping them understand and manage their anxiety. In some instances there is a mix of therapies, such as cognitive therapy, is used.

It's crucial 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 by receiving clear, definite boundaries and support in overcoming their fears.