15 Terms Everybody Who Works In Anxiety Disorder Separation Industry Should Know

Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Children and adolescents who suffer from separation anxiety disorder have a tendency to worry about being away from their caregivers, parents or other important people in their lives. They might also be concerned that separation could result in negative consequences, such as getting hurt or lost.

Children with separation anxiety disorder can be treated with psychotherapy and medication. The child is taught to approach feared situations slowly, with assurance.

Symptoms

Separation anxiety disorder is more intense than normal anxiety in relation to being separated from family members and primary caregivers. People suffering from this disorder fear that their family member will be the victim of a tragic incident when they are separated. This could mean getting lost or falling ill. They might also be worried about other situations that can separate them from their loved ones, for example, being kidnapped or being involved in an accident.

This anxiety disorder can affect adults at any age. It isn't known what causes adult separation anxiety however it could be caused by significant life changes or previous mental health disorders, like depression or PTSD. The sufferers of this disorder might feel a lot dependent on their children or romantic partners, and lack boundaries. Others may perceive them as too clingy or demanding.

This condition is characterized by excessive distress when someone is separated from their family, significant stress while away from home or at work, and frequent dreams of separation. These symptoms can cause people avoid traveling or engaging in other activities that involve a physical separation from family members, for example, going back to school. Children with this condition may have physical issues, such as stomach pains if they worry about being left alone.

To diagnose this disorder medical professionals will inquire about your or your child's past and present symptoms. They will inquire about your family and other relationships to determine how you've been able to manage separation anxiety before.

Talk therapy and, in certain instances, medication are utilized to treat this disorder. Your therapist will instruct you and your children how to cope with the fears. They can also assist you deal with situations that scare you in a step-by-step process that will help your child learn how to deal with separations and build up their confidence. The medications can calm the mind and relax the body to ease your child's anxieties.

Diagnosis

A person suffering from separation anxiety is likely to experience extreme anxiety when separated from family members or close friends. Unlike normal fear and worry that many people suffer from, the symptoms of this disorder can be persistent, typically lasting more than four weeks for children and six months or longer in adults, and they can cause significant disruption to the daily routine and functioning at work and school. It can also impact the person's social life and ability to develop romantic relationships.

To determine the cause of this disorder, a mental health professional will interview the patient and observe the patient's behavior. The doctor will want to know when the symptoms started and what makes them more or less severe. A mental health professional will ask about recent events and trauma history in relation to the age of the patient.

The doctor will also decide if there is another medical condition that may cause similar symptoms. This could be a condition such as cancer or an underlying neurological disorder, such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Other possible causes are familial adversities in childhood like parental mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, as well as exposure to traumatizing events like natural disasters or war, sexual assault or the death of loved ones.

The diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in adults is more difficult since there aren't any lab tests for the condition, and it can share many symptoms with other fears. A person who develops separation anxiety disorder in adulthood usually is a victim of trauma or a significant loss. Certain studies suggest that those who were diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder in childhood are more likely to be suffering from anxiety and depression in adulthood.

Separation anxiety disorder can be treated in various ways. Treatment such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and medications, such as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors and antidepressants, can help overcome their fears. Parents who suffer from this disorder can benefit from methods and education to improve their relationship with their child.

Treatment

Separation anxiety disorder can be diagnosed when children's fear of strangers and clinginess continues throughout elementary school, is associated with physical symptoms and impedes daily activities. According to BetterHelp, an online therapy service for children that treat separation anxiety disorder, it affects up to 4%, with a median age of 7 years old.

Your child's doctor will conduct an exhaustive exam to rule out physical ailments that could cause anxiety. If no physical issues are discovered 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 Therapist will help your child learn healthy ways to manage their emotions and increase self-confidence, independence, and build resilience. The therapist will instruct parents on how they can assist their child who is suffering from anxiety. The use of medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are typically prescribed along with psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder.

Depending on your child's specific needs, the therapist will determine which treatment options are appropriate for them. For instance, children suffering from extreme anxiety may benefit from a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This means exposing your child to situations that trigger their anxiety gradually by introducing them in small increments until they are comfortable with them.

As children age their symptoms tend to decrease. Some adults may still suffer from symptoms of separation disorder in their adulthood. This can make it difficult for them to maintain relationships or achieve certain career goals, such as going back to college or moving for work. Adults suffering from separation anxiety disorder have a high percentage of co-occurring conditions, such as other  anxiety disorders  such as depression, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder, and a range of substance use disorders.

Prevention

Separation anxiety is a common occurrence in many children. However, for some, it can become an issue that causes problems with their lives and prevents them from taking part in activities they enjoy. If your child's fears are disrupting their routine, talk to a mental health professional.

Children with separation anxiety disorder experience extreme distress when separated from their parents or other major relationships. They are constantly worried about being snatched away, missing or experiencing an accident that could cause the loss of loved ones to them. They might have difficulty falling asleep at night or refuse to go to school, play dates or camp without their parents.

Doctors do not diagnose separation anxiety until the signs of a child last at least four weeks. Often, the healthcare provider will interview the child and parents in a separate interview to get a full picture of the situation. 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 depending on the child's age and the severity of the symptoms. Children express their anxiety by worrying about their attachment figures. For instance they might be worried that their parents are involved in a car accident or harmed by a burglar. However, older children with separation anxiety usually deny that they are worried about leaving their home.

Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for children with separation anxiety. It usually involves teaching children relaxation techniques and teaching them to recognize and manage their fears. In some cases, a mixture of therapies, such as cognitive therapy, is employed.

Adults should be consistent in their responses to children who are experiencing anxiety over separation. Children must be taught that their pleas to parents to stay home aren't valid, and they'll only get better if they're provided with clear, definite boundaries and a helping hand as they try to overcome their fears.