anxiety-disorders

Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety DisorderSeparation anxiety disorder affects children and adolescents who worry frequently when they are not from their parents, caregivers, or other important people. They may also worry about a possible negative outcome of separation, for example, getting lost or being hurt.Children with separation anxiety disorder can get treatment through psychotherapy and medication. Therapy involves teaching the child to approach feared situations gradually, with reassurance and support.SymptomsWhile some anxiety about being away from loved ones is normal separation anxiety disorder can cause people more anxious than others when it comes to being separated from family members and primary caregiving figures. People suffering from this disorder are worried that their family member could be the victim of a tragic event if they are separated. This could mean that they get lost or becoming sick. They might also be scared of other circumstances that could make them separated from their loved one, such as being kidnapped or having a an accident with a car.The onset of this anxiety disorder typically begins in the early years of childhood, but adults can develop it at any time. It’s not known what causes separation anxiety in adults, but it can be caused by significant life changes or previous mental health disorders, like depression or PTSD. People with this condition can feel overly dependent on their spouses or children and display a lack of boundaries. Some may see them as being too demanding or clingy.Symptoms of this condition include a high level of distress when someone is separated from their family, significant anxiety when they are away from home or work and frequent nightmares about separation. These symptoms can cause people avoid travel or other activities that involve a physical separation from family members, like returning to school. Children who suffer from this condition may have difficulty sleeping or experience a variety of physical issues, such as headaches or stomach pains when they worry about being on their own.A healthcare professional will ask you about your past and current symptoms or those of your child in order to determine the cause of separation anxiety. They will inquire about your family, and other relationships, to see how you’ve been able to manage separation anxiety before.Talk therapy and, in some instances, medication are used to treat this condition. Your therapist can show you and your child ways to deal with their fears. They can assist you and your child to learn to manage separations through a step by procedure. Medicines can help to relax the brain and relax the body which can ease your child’s anxiety.DiagnosisSeparation anxiety disorder can cause people to experience extreme stress when they are away from their home or other close family members. The symptoms of separation anxiety are more persistent than normal anxiety and fear. They can last for up to six months for adults and up to four weeks in children. They cause major disruptions to daily life, school, and work. The condition can also interfere with a person’s ability form romantic relationships and socialize.To diagnose this disorder A mental health professional will interview the patient and observe their behavior. The doctor will want to be aware of the time when symptoms began and what triggers them to be more or less severe. Based on the age of the patient, a mental health professional may also ask about any recent events that might have caused stress and any previous trauma history.The provider will also determine whether there is another medical condition that could cause similar symptoms. This could be a condition such as cancer, or a neurological disorder like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other possible causes are familial adversities in childhood such as mental illness, substance misuse, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, as well as exposure to traumatizing events like natural catastrophes, sexual assault, war, or the death of a loved one.It is difficult to diagnose separation anxiety disorder among adults, since there aren’t any lab tests and the symptoms may be similar to other phobias. Anyone who suffers from separation anxiety disorder in their adulthood typically does so after experiencing trauma or a significant loss. Some studies indicate that people who suffer from separation disorders in childhood are more likely to develop anxiety and depression disorders as adults.Separation anxiety disorder can be treated in a variety of ways. Therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and medication, such as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors and antidepressants, can help people overcome their fears. People with this disorder often benefit from parent education and techniques to improve the quality of their relationship with their children.TreatmentAlthough many children experience a period when they become terrified of strangers and clingy If this fear persists throughout the elementary years and beyond and is accompanied by physical symptoms, and interferes with daily functioning, it may be an indication of separation anxiety disorder. According to BetterHelp, an online therapy service for children the disorder of separation anxiety can affect up to 4% of children, with an average age of 7 years.The doctor who treats your child will conduct an exhaustive exam to rule out physical problems that could be causing anxiety. If no physical problems are found the healthcare provider of your child will refer them to a mental health professional who has experience in anxiety disorders. For children it will likely be a child psychologist or psychiatrist.Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) is usually the first treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The therapy therapist will work with your child to help them learn healthy ways to manage their emotions, building self-confidence and independence, and building resilience. The therapist will also educate parents on how they can help their child and aid them with their anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is typically treated with medication, such as antidepressants such as selective serotoninin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).The therapist will determine the best treatment plan for your child based upon their particular needs. Children who suffer from severe anxiety, for example might benefit from a mix of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as exposure therapy. This involves exposing your child to situations that cause anxiety gradually, in small steps, until they are comfortable with them.Most often, children suffering from separation anxiety disorder improve as they age, and their symptoms will decrease. However, some adults may be suffering from separation anxiety throughout their adult lives. This can make it difficult for them to keep relationships or pursue certain career goals, such as going back to college or relocating for work. Adults suffering from separation disorder are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as depression, phobias, or post-traumatic disorder.The following is a list with preventions.For many children who are anxious about separation, it is a normal part of development. For others, it can become an issue that is serious and can interfere with their lives and stops them from engaging in activities they enjoy. If your child’s anxiety is disrupting their daily routines consult an expert in mental health.Children with separation anxiety disorder experience extreme distress when separated from their parents or other important relationships. They are always worried about being snatched away or lost or that an accident might cause them to lose those closest to themselves. They might also have trouble sleeping on their own at night, or they might refuse to go to camp, school or play dates with their parents.The signs of separation anxiety in children should last for at least four weeks before a doctor can determine the cause. Most often, the healthcare professional will interview the child and their parents in a separate interview to get a full picture of the situation. They may ask questions about anxiety disorders or changes in the life, such as family history and life events that might have triggered the separation anxiety.Treatment for separation anxiety is dependent on the age of the child, and the severity of the symptoms. Children express their anxiety through worrying about their attachment figures. For instance, they may worry that their parents might be involved in a car accident or be attacked by a burglar. Separation anxiety in older children is usually dismissed by them.Children with separation anxiety are often treated using behavioral therapy. It usually involves teaching children relaxation techniques and teaching them to recognize and control their anxieties. In some cases the combination of treatments is employed, including cognitive therapy and medication.anxiety reduction should be consistent with their responses to children experiencing anxiety about separation. Kids need to know that their pleas to parents to not leave are not valid and they’ll only improve if given clear, firm boundaries and a helping hand as they try to overcome their fears.