anxiety-disorders

Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety DisorderChildren and adolescents suffering from separation anxiety disorder have a tendency to worry about being apart from their caregivers, parents or other significant people in their lives. They may also worry about the negative consequences of separation, like getting lost or hurt.Children suffering from separation anxiety can get treatment through therapy and medication. The child is taught to handle the fearful situations slowly, and with reassurance.SymptomsWhile some anxiety about being apart 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 caregiver figures. People with this disorder are concerned that something bad will occur to their family member when they are separated, like losing their way or falling ill. They might also be afraid of other situations that could separate them from their loved ones, such as being kidnapped or having a an accident in a vehicle.overcoming anxiety of this anxiety disorder typically begins in childhood, though adults can be affected at any age. Adult separation anxiety isn’t thought to be caused by anything specific however it can be caused by life changes, depression, or PTSD. People with this condition may be overly dependent on their spouses or children and exhibit poor boundaries. Some may see them as being overly clingy or demanding.This condition is characterized by extreme distress when someone is separated from their family, a significant amount of distress while away from home or at work, and recurrent thoughts of separation. These symptoms can cause people to avoid traveling or other activities that involve physical separation from their families, for example, going to school. Children with this condition may have trouble sleeping or suffer from a range of physical ailments, such as headaches or stomach pains in the event of anxiety about being on their own.A healthcare professional will ask you about your previous and current symptoms or the symptoms of your child to determine the cause of separation anxiety. They will also inquire about your family, and other relationships, to determine how you’ve dealt with separation anxiety before.Talk therapy and, in certain instances, medications are used to treat this disorder. Your therapist will show you and your children how to cope with the fears. They can also assist you to approach feared situations through a step-by-step method that can help your child understand how to handle separations and build their confidence. Medicines can help to relax the mind and relax the body, which can help ease the anxiety of your child.DiagnosisSeparation anxiety disorder causes people to experience extreme anxiety when they are away from their home or family members. The symptoms of separation anxiety are more persistent than normal anxiety and anxiety and. They can last for up to six months in adults and four weeks in children. They cause significant disruptions in the daily routine, school, and work. The condition can also hinder with a person’s ability form romantic relationships and socialize.A mental health professional will interview and observe the patient’s behavior to diagnose the disorder. The provider will ask when symptoms started and what triggers the symptoms to become worse or better. A mental health professional will inquire about recent events and history of trauma dependent on the age of the patient.The provider will also try to determine whether the fear is a result of another medical condition that may cause similar symptoms, like an illness, like cancer or a neurological disorder, such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Other possible causes are childhood family adversities like parental mental illness, addiction to drugs child abuse, domestic violence and neglect, and experiences with trauma, such as natural catastrophes and sexual assault, war or the death of loved ones.The diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in adults is more difficult because there aren’t any laboratory tests for the condition and it can share many symptoms with other phobias. Someone who develops separation anxiety disorder in adulthood typically does so after experiencing trauma or a significant loss. Certain studies suggest that those who have been diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder as children are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders as they age.There are a variety of treatment options available to those suffering from separation anxiety disorder. There are a variety of treatment options available to those suffering from. People suffering from separation anxiety disorder can overcome their fear through therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or prescription medications such as selective serotonin receptor antagonists and antidepressants. Parents who suffer from this disorder can benefit from methods and education to improve their relationship with their child.TreatmentSeparation anxiety disorder may be diagnosed when a child’s fear of strangers and clinginess persists throughout the elementary school years, and is associated with physical symptoms and impedes daily functioning. According to BetterHelp, an online therapy service for children, separation anxiety disorder can affect up to 4% of children with a median age of 7 years.Your child’s doctor will conduct an exhaustive exam to rule out physical ailments that could cause anxiety. If no physical problems are found the healthcare provider of your child will refer them to a mental health professional with experience in treating anxiety disorders. This will likely be a child psychiatrist or psychologist.Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is often the first course of treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The therapist will work with your child to help them learn healthy ways of managing their feelings, increasing confidence and independence, as well as building resilience. The therapist will also train parents on how to support their child and help them deal with their anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is usually treated with medication, such as antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).Based on the specific needs of your child’s needs, their therapist will determine which treatment options are appropriate for the child. For example, children with extreme anxiety may benefit from a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This is the process of gradually exposing your child to the situations that trigger anxiety in small steps until they are comfortable.Most often, children suffering from separation anxiety disorder will improve as they get older, and their symptoms will diminish. However, some adults may be suffering from separation anxiety disorder throughout their adult lives. It can be challenging for them keep relationships going or to achieve certain career goals such as returning to college or going to work. Adults who suffer from separation anxiety are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, including other anxiety disorders, depression and phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a variety of addiction disorders.The following is a list of preventatives.For many kids with separation anxiety, it’s a normal part of development. For some, separation anxiety can be a major issue that can affect their lives and prevents them from participating in the activities they enjoy. Talk to a mental health specialist if your child’s fear is affecting their daily life.Children with separation anxiety disorder experience extreme distress when separated from their parents or other significant attachment figures. They are always worried about being snatched away or lost or that an accident might cause them to lose those closest to themselves. They may have trouble falling to sleep at night, or refusing to go to play dates, school, or camp without their parents.Doctors will not diagnose separation anxiety until the symptoms of a child have lasted at minimum four weeks. The healthcare professional may interview both the child and parents separately to get the full picture. They might also inquire about anxiety disorders that are not related to separation anxiety or family history as well as changes in life that may have caused or made the separation anxiety worse.Treatment for anxiety disorder separation differs by the child’s age and the severity of the symptoms. Children younger than 5 years old typically express their anxiety through specific concerns about harm to their loved ones, such as being worried that their parents might be hurt in a car crash or be attacked by an intruder. Separation anxiety in older children is often dismissed by them.Children with separation anxiety are usually treated with behavioral therapy. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and helping them understand and manage their anxiety. In some cases it is necessary to combine treatments, such as cognitive therapy, is used.Adults must be consistent in their responses to children experiencing anxiety about separation. Children must be taught that their parents’ pleas not to leave them not valid. They will only improve by receiving clear, unambiguous boundaries and support in conquering their fears.