12 Facts About Anxiety Disorder Separation To Make You Think Smarter About Other People

Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder Separation anxiety disorder affects children and adolescents who worry frequently when they are not from their caregivers, parents or other significant people. They might also worry about a possible negative outcome of separation, like getting lost or hurt. Children with separation anxiety disorders can get treatment through therapy and medication. Therapy focuses on teaching children to deal with fearful situations slowly, with reassurance and support. Signs and symptoms Separation anxiety disorder is more severe than normal anxiety when it comes to being separated from family members and primary caregivers. People suffering from this disorder are worried that their family member will be the victim of a tragic event if they are separated. This could mean that they get lost or falling ill. They may also be fearful of other scenarios that could cause separation from their loved ones, including being abducted or having an accident with a car. The onset of this disorder typically begins in childhood, though adults can be affected at any time. Adult separation anxiety isn't thought to be caused by a specific cause however it could be caused by life changes, depression, or PTSD. People suffering from this disorder may feel a lot dependent on children or their romantic partners, and have poor boundaries. Others may see them as overly demanding and clingy. This condition is marked by a high level of distress when one is cut off from family, significant distress while away from home or at work, and frequent dreams of separation. These symptoms can cause people avoid travel or other activities that involve a physical separation from family members, for example, returning to school. Children with this condition may have physical issues, such as headaches or stomach pains if they worry about being left alone. To diagnose this disorder, medical professionals will inquire about your your child's past and current symptoms. They will also inquire about your family and other relationships to see how you've faced separation anxiety in the past. Talk therapy and, in a few instances, medication are used to treat this condition. Your therapist will instruct you and your children how to deal with the fears. They can also assist you approach situations that are feared by guiding you through the steps that can help your child understand how to deal with separations and build their confidence. Medications can help to calm the mind and relax the body, which can help ease your child's anxiety. Diagnosis Separation anxiety disorder can cause people to experience extreme stress when they are away from their home or other close family members. Unlike normal fear and worry that many people suffer from the symptoms of this disorder are long-lasting, usually lasting longer than four weeks in children and six months or longer for adults. They create major disruptions to daily life and function at school and work. The condition can also cause problems with a person's ability to form romantic relationships and socialize. To determine the cause of this disorder A mental health professional will talk to the patient and observe the patient's behavior. The healthcare provider will want know when the symptoms started and what causes them to become more or less severe. A mental health professional will ask about recent events and trauma history, depending on the age of the person. The provider will also determine whether there is a medical condition that could cause similar symptoms. This may be a condition such as cancer or a neurological disorder such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Other causes include childhood family adversities such as mental illness in the family or substance abuse, domestic violence and child neglect and abuse. It is difficult to diagnose separation anxiety disorder in adults, as there aren't any lab tests and the symptoms can be similar to those of other phobias. Separation anxiety disorder is more common in adults who have experienced an emotional trauma or a major loss. Certain studies suggest that those who have been diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder in childhood are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression later in life. Several treatment options are available for people with separation anxiety disorder. Therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications, like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors and antidepressants, can assist people to overcome their fears. Parents with this disorder can benefit from strategies and education to strengthen their relationship with their child. Treatment Many children experience a period where they are clingy and fearful of strangers If this fear persists through the elementary years and beyond, is associated with physical symptoms, and interferes with daily functioning it could be a sign of separation anxiety disorder. According to BetterHelp generalized anxiety disorder for children the disorder of separation anxiety is a problem that affects as many as 4% of children, with an average age of 7 years. Your child's healthcare professional will conduct a thorough exam to determine if there are any physical issues that may be causing their anxiety. If no physical issues are discovered the healthcare professional for your child will refer them to an expert in anxiety disorders. It could be a child psychiatrist or psychologist. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is often the first course of treatment for separation anxiety disorder . The therapist will help your child discover healthy ways to manage their emotions to increase self-confidence, confidence, independence, and build resilience. The therapist will instruct parents on how they can aid their child suffering from anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is often treated with medication, such as antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Based on your child's individual requirements, their counselor will determine what treatment options are best for their specific needs. For instance, children suffering from severe anxiety might benefit from a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This involves exposing your child to situations that trigger their anxiety gradually over time by introducing them in small increments until they feel comfortable with them. As children get older their symptoms typically decrease. However, some adults may be suffering from separation anxiety disorder throughout their adult lives. It can be challenging for them maintain relationships or pursue certain career goals like returning to college or moving to work. Adults with separation disorder are more likely to have co-occurring disorders like depression, phobias and post-traumatic disorder. The following is a list of preventions. Separation anxiety is common among many children. For others it can be an issue that causes problems with their lives and stops them from engaging in activities they enjoy. Speak to generalized anxiety disorder if your child's fear is affecting their daily life. Children with separation anxiety disorder suffer extreme stress when they are separated from their parents or other significant attachment figures. They are always worried about being kidnapped or lost or that an accident will result in the loss of those closest to them. They may have trouble falling asleep at night or refuse to go to play dates, school, or camp without their parents. A child's separation anxiety symptoms should last for at least four weeks before a physician can determine the cause. Often, the healthcare provider will interview the child and parents in a separate interview to get an entire picture of the situation. They may inquire about any other anxiety disorders or family history, as well as changes in life that may have caused or made separation anxiety more severe. Treatment for anxiety disorder separation varies depending on the child's age and the severity of the symptoms. Younger children typically express their anxiety through specific worries about harm to their attachment figures, such as a fear that their parents might be hurt in a car accident or be attacked by a burglar. However older children who suffer from separation anxiety often deny they are worried about leaving home. Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for children suffering from separation anxiety. It typically involves teaching children relaxation techniques and teaching them to recognize and control their anxieties. In some cases it is necessary to combine therapies is used, including cognitive therapy and medication. Adults must be consistent in their responses to children who are experiencing separation anxiety. Children must be taught that their pleas for parents not to leave aren't valid, and they will only get better if they're provided with clear, definite boundaries and a lot of support while they work to overcome their fears.