anxiety-disorders

Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety DisorderChildren and adolescents with separation anxiety disorder have a tendency to worry about being away from their caregivers, parents or other significant people in their lives. They may also worry that separation could have negative consequences, such as getting hurt or lost.generalized anxiety disorder symptoms and medication can be used to treat children with separation anxiety disorder. Therapy focuses on teaching children to manage fearful situations gradually by providing reassurance and encouragement.Signs and symptomsAlthough some anxiety about being separated 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 caregiving figures. People suffering from this disorder fear that their loved ones will be the victim of a tragic incident when they are separated. This could include getting lost or becoming sick. They may also be fearful of other circumstances that could make them separated from their loved ones such as being kidnapped or having a a car accident.This anxiety disorder can affect people at any age. Adult separation anxiety is not known to be caused by any specific factor however it could be caused by life changes, depression, or PTSD. The people who suffer from this condition can feel overly dependent on their children or their romantic partners and exhibit poor boundaries. Some may see them as too clingy or demanding.The signs of this disorder include excessive distress when a person is separated from their family, severe anxiety when they are away from their home or at work and recurrent nightmares involving separation. These symptoms can make people avoid traveling or engaging in other activities that involve a physical separation from family members, for example, returning to school. Children who suffer from this condition may have difficulty sleeping or suffer from a range of physical ailments, such as headaches or stomachaches, when they are worried about being on their own.To diagnose this disorder, the healthcare professional will inquire about your your child’s previous and current symptoms. They will inquire about your family and other relationships, to see how you’ve been able to manage separation anxiety before.Treatment for this disorder includes therapy for talk and, in some cases medication. Your therapist can teach you and your child ways to deal with their fears. They can help you and your child to learn to manage separations in a step by procedure. Medicines can help to relax the mind and relax the body which can ease your child’s anxiety.DiagnosisA person suffering from separation anxiety disorder is likely to experience extreme anxiety when separated from family members or close friends. Contrary to the normal fears and anxieties that many people suffer from the symptoms of this disorder can be persistent, typically lasting longer than four weeks for children, and up to more than six months in adults, and they create major disruptions to daily activities and performance at work and school. The condition can also interfere with a person’s ability create romantic relationships and socialize.A mental health professional will interview and observe the patient’s behavior in order to diagnose this disorder. The doctor 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 trauma history dependent on the age of the patient.The provider will also determine whether there is a medical condition that could cause similar symptoms. This may be an illness such as cancer, or a neurological disorder such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other possible causes are familial adversities in childhood, such as parental mental illness, substance misuse domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and exposure to traumatizing events, 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 may share a number of symptoms with other anxiety disorders. Separation anxiety disorder is more prevalent for adults who have had trauma or a 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 in life.There are a variety of treatment options available for those suffering from separation anxiety disorder. There are many treatment options available for people suffering from. Therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidepressants, can assist people to overcome their fears. Parents suffering 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 is persistent throughout the elementary school years, and is accompanied with physical symptoms and interferes in daily activities. In fact, according to the BetterHelp online therapy service the disorder of separation anxiety is the most common anxiety disorder seen in children that affects up to 4 percent of them, with a onset age of 7 years old.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 the healthcare professional for your child will refer them to an expert in anxiety disorders. This will likely be a child psychiatrist or psychologist.Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is usually the first course of treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The Therapist will work with your child to teach them healthy ways to manage their emotions, building confidence and independence, as well as developing resilience. The therapist will also instruct parents on how to support their child and help them with their anxiety. Medication, including antidepressants like selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is often used in conjunction with psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder.Based on your child’s individual needs, their therapist will determine which treatment options are most appropriate for their specific needs. Children who suffer from extreme anxiety, for instance, 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 over time in small steps until they become comfortable.Often, children with separation anxiety disorder will improve as they get older and their symptoms decrease. However, some adults may suffer from symptoms of separation disorder in their adulthood. This makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships or pursue certain career goals, such as going back to college or relocating to work. Adults with separation anxiety disorder are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions, such as other types of anxiety disorders such as depression, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a variety of substance use disorders.The following is a list of preventatives.For many kids, separation anxiety is a normal part of development. But for others it can turn into an issue that is serious and can interfere with their lives and stops them from engaging in activities they enjoy. Talk to a mental health professional if your child’s fear is affecting their daily routine.Separation anxiety disorder is a condition where children experience severe distress when they are away from their parents or other family members. They are constantly worried about being kidnapped, or lost, or that an accident might cause them to lose those closest to them. They may struggle to fall asleep at night or refusing to go to play dates, school, or camp without their parents.Doctors are not able to diagnose separation anxiety until the symptoms of a child are present for at minimum four weeks. The healthcare professional may interview both the child as well as the parents in a separate session to gather the complete picture. They may ask questions about anxiety disorders or life changes like family history or life events that may have triggered the separation anxiety.Treatment for anxiety disorder separation differs by the child’s age and the severity of the symptoms. Children express anxiety by worrying about their attachment figures. For example, they may worry that their parents might be involved in a car accident or harmed by burglars. However older children who suffer from separation anxiety usually deny that they are anxious about leaving their home.Behavioral therapy is a typical treatment for children with separation anxiety. It usually involves teaching children relaxation techniques and teaching them to recognize and control their anxieties. In some instances the combination of treatments is employed, including medication and cognitive therapy.Adults should be consistent with their responses to children who are experiencing separation anxiety. Children need to be taught that their pleas to parents not to leave aren’t valid, and they will only improve if given clear, precise boundaries and a helping hand as they try to overcome their fears.