anxiety-disorders

Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety DisorderChildren and adolescents with separation anxiety disorder are anxious about being away from their parents, caregivers or other significant people in their lives. They might also be concerned that being separated could have negative consequences, such as being lost or hurt.Children suffering from separation anxiety are treated through psychotherapy and medication. The child is taught to approach feared situations slowly, with assurance.Signs and symptomsWhile some anxiety over being separated from loved ones is normal, separation anxiety disorder makes people more anxious than others when it comes to the separation from family members and primary caregiving figures. People suffering from this condition are afraid that something terrible could happen to their family member when they are separated, such as getting lost or becoming ill. They might also be worried about other situations that could keep them from their loved ones, like being kidnapped or being involved in an accident.This anxiety disorder can affect people at any age. It’s not known what causes separation anxiety in adults, but it can be triggered by significant life changes or prior mental health issues like depression or PTSD. The sufferers of this disorder might be overly dependent on their children or their romantic partners, and have poor boundaries. Others may perceive them as being too clingy or demanding.This condition is marked by a high level of distress when someone is separated from their family, significant stress while away from home or working, and recurring thoughts of separation. These symptoms can make people avoid travel or other activities that require physical separation from family members, for example, going back to school. Children with this condition may have difficulty sleeping or may experience a variety of physical problems including stomach pains or headaches, when they worry about being left alone.To determine the severity of this disorder, medical professionals will inquire about your your child’s past and current symptoms. They will also ask you about your family and other relationships to determine how you have faced separation anxiety in the past.Talk therapy and, in certain instances, medication are used to treat this disorder. Your therapist can teach you and your child ways to manage their fears. They can help you and your child learn how to deal with separations in a step by steps. Medicines can help to relax the brain and relax the body which can ease your child’s anxiety.DiagnosisSeparation anxiety disorder causes individuals to feel intense anxiety when they are away from their home or other close family members. Contrary to the normal fears and anxieties that people generally feel, the symptoms of this disorder can be persistent, typically lasting longer than four weeks in children, and up to up to six months in adults. They can cause significant disruption to the daily routine and functioning at school and work. It can also affect the person’s social life and ability to establish romantic relationships.To determine the cause of this disorder, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and observe the patient’s behavior. 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 ask about recent events and trauma history dependent on the age of the patient.The provider will also try to determine if the phobia is the result of a different medical condition that may cause similar symptoms, like an illness such as cancer or a neurological issue, such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Other possible causes include childhood family adversities like parental mental illness, substance misuse, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and experiences with trauma such as natural catastrophes and war, sexual assault or the loss of loved ones.It is difficult to diagnose separation anxiety disorder among adults because there are no tests for it and the symptoms can be similar to those of other anxiety disorders. Separation anxiety disorder is more frequent among adults who have suffered trauma or a significant loss. Certain studies suggest that those diagnosed with separation disorder in childhood are more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders as adults.Separation anxiety disorder can be treated in various ways. Therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as well as antidepressants, can help people overcome their fear. Parents who suffer from this disorder can benefit from techniques and training to strengthen their relationship with their child.TreatmentSeparation anxiety disorder can be diagnosed when the child’s fear of being around strangers and clinginess continues throughout elementary school, is accompanied with physical symptoms and interferes in daily activities. According to BetterHelp an online therapy service for children, separation anxiety disorder can affect up to 4% of children with an average age of 7 years.Your child’s healthcare provider will conduct a thorough examination to rule out any physical problems that could be causing anxiety. If no physical problems are identified, your child’s healthcare provider will refer them to an expert in mental health who has experience in treating anxiety disorders. It could be a child psychiatrist or psychologist.Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) is usually the first treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The therapy therapist will assist your child to discover healthy ways to manage their emotions, increase self-confidence and independence, as well as build resilience. type of anxiety disorder will instruct parents on ways they can aid their child suffering from anxiety. Treatment, such as antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are typically prescribed along with psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder.Depending on your child’s specific requirements, their counselor will determine what treatment options are best for their specific needs. For instance, children who suffer from severe anxiety may benefit from a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This means gradually expose your child to situations that cause anxiety over time in small steps until they are comfortable.Typically, children suffering from separation anxiety disorder will improve as they grow older, and their symptoms will decrease. There are some adults who experience symptoms of separation disorder throughout their adult lives. This can make it difficult for them to keep relationships or achieve certain career goals, such as returning to school or moving for work. Adults suffering from separation disorder are more likely to have co-occurring disorders such as depression, phobias, or post-traumatic disorder.PreventionSeparation anxiety is common among many children. For others it can be an issue that is serious and can interfere with their lives and prevents them from participating in activities they enjoy. Speak to a mental healthcare professional if your child’s fear is affecting their daily life.Separation anxiety disorder is a disorder in which children suffer from extreme distress when separated from parents or other figures of attachment. They are constantly worried about being kidnapped or lost or that an accident will cause them to lose the people closest to themselves. They might have difficulty falling asleep at night or refuse to go to play dates, school, or camp without their parents.The symptoms of separation anxiety in children should last for at least four weeks before a doctor will determine the cause. The healthcare professional may interview both the child as well as the parents individually to get the full picture. They might ask questions about anxiety disorders or changes in the life, such as family history or life events that could trigger the separation anxiety.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 concerns about harm to their loved ones for example, the fear that their parents will get in a car crash or be attacked by burglars. By contrast, older children with separation anxiety often deny they are anxious about leaving their home.Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for children with separation anxiety. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and helping them understand and manage their anxiety. In some cases it is necessary to combine treatments is employed, including cognitive therapy and medication.Adults should be consistent with their responses to children who are experiencing anxiety about separation. Children must be taught that their parents’ pleas not to let them go are not valid. They will only be able to improve by receiving clear, unambiguous boundaries and help in overcoming their fears.