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Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder Separation anxiety disorder affects children and adolescents who fret excessively when they are separated from their parents, caregivers or other important people. They might also worry about a possible negative outcome of separation, like getting lost or being injured. Children with separation anxiety disorder are treated through psychotherapy and medications. The child is taught to tackle difficult situations slowly, with confidence. Signs and symptoms While some anxiety over being separated from loved ones is normal, separation anxiety disorder makes people much more intensely anxious than others when it comes to being separated from family members and primary caregiver figures. People suffering from this disorder fear that their family member will be the victim of a tragic event if they are separated. This could include getting lost or getting sick. They might also be worried about other situations that can separate them from their loved ones, like being kidnapped or getting into a car accident. The onset of this disorder typically begins in childhood, though adults can develop it at any time. It isn't known what causes adult separation anxiety however, it could be caused by significant life changes or prior mental health issues such as depression or PTSD. The sufferers of this disorder might feel overly dependent on children or romantic partners, and have poor boundaries. Some may see them as being too demanding or clingy. This condition is characterized by excessive distress when someone is separated from their family, significant stress when away from home or at work, and frequent dreams of separation. These symptoms can cause people to avoid traveling or engaging in other activities that involve a physical separation from family members, for example, returning to school. Children with this condition may suffer physical issues such as stomach pains if they worry about being alone. A healthcare professional will ask you about your current and past symptoms or those of your child in order to diagnose separation anxiety. They will ask you about your family, and other relationships, to determine how you've faced separation anxiety in the past. Treatment for this disorder includes therapy for talk and, in some cases medication. Your therapist can show you and your child methods to manage their fears. They can assist you and your child learn to manage separations in a step by step process. Medications can help to calm the brain and relax the body which can help ease the anxiety of your child. Diagnosis A person suffering from separation anxiety disorder is likely to experience extreme anxiety when apart from family members or close friends. The symptoms of separation anxiety disorder are more persistent than normal anxiety and anxiety and. They can last for up to six months for adults and for up to four weeks in children. They can cause significant disruptions in the daily routine at school, work, and home. It can also affect a person's socialization and ability to establish romantic relationships. A mental health professional will interview and observe the patient's behavior to diagnose the disorder. The provider will ask when symptoms began and what triggers the symptoms to become worse or better. A mental health professional will inquire about recent events and trauma history in relation to the age of the patient. The provider will also determine if there is another medical condition that may cause similar symptoms. It could be a condition such as cancer or a neurological disorder like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other possible causes are childhood family adversities like parental mental illness, substance misuse or child abuse, domestic violence and neglect, as well as exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters and sexual assault, war, or the loss of a loved one. Diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in adults is more difficult because there aren't any laboratory tests for the condition, and it may have a variety of symptoms with other anxiety disorders. Someone who develops a separation anxiety disorder in their adulthood typically is a victim of a traumatic event or significant loss. Some studies suggest that people diagnosed with separation disorder in their early years may be more likely to develop anxiety and depression disorders later on in their lives. There are a variety of treatment options available to those suffering from separation anxiety disorder. There are many treatment options available for people suffering from. Therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidepressants, can assist people to overcome the phobia. Parents suffering from this disorder can benefit from methods and training to improve their relationship with their child. Treatment While many children experience a period where they are terrified of strangers and clingy, when this anxiety persists through elementary school and beyond, is manifested as physical symptoms and affects daily functioning it could be a sign of separation anxiety disorder. According to the BetterHelp online therapy service the disorder of separation anxiety is the most common anxiety disorder diagnosed in kids, affecting up to 4% of them, with a onset age of about 7 years. Your child's doctor will conduct an exhaustive exam to rule out physical problems that could be causing anxiety. If no physical problems are found the doctor who treats your child will refer them to a mental health professional with expertise in anxiety disorders . For children, this will most likely be a psychiatrist or child psychologist. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is often the first treatment option for separation anxiety disorder. The Therapist will help your child learn healthy ways to manage their emotions and increase self-confidence and independence, as well as build resilience. The therapist will also train parents on how to help their child and aid them with their anxiety. The use of medication, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed along with psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder. The therapist will determine which treatment option is best for your child based upon their particular needs. For instance, children who suffer from extreme anxiety may benefit from a combination of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This means exposing your child to situations that cause anxiety gradually, in small steps, until they feel comfortable with them. As children grow older their symptoms tend to decrease. There are some adults who have symptoms of separation anxiety in their adulthood. This makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships or to pursue certain career goals, like returning to school or relocating to work. Adults who suffer from 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 in many children. For others, separation anxiety can be a major issue that affects their lives and prevents participation in the activities they enjoy. If your child's fears are disrupting their daily routines discuss it with a mental health professional. Separation anxiety disorder is a disorder in which children experience extreme distress when they are away from their parents or other figures of attachment. They are constantly worried about being snatched away, missing or experiencing an accident that could cause the loss of people who are close to them. They may have trouble falling asleep at night or refusing to go to play dates, school or camp without their parents. Doctors will not diagnose separation anxiety until the symptoms of a child are present for at minimum four weeks. Most often, the healthcare professional will interview the child and their parents in a separate interview to get an accurate picture of the situation. They may inquire about any other anxiety disorders or family history as well as life events that could have caused or made the separation anxiety worse. Treatment for separation anxiety is determined depending on the child's age and the severity of the symptoms. Younger children usually express their anxiety through specific worries about harm to their attachment figures for example, being worried that their parents will get in a car accident or be attacked by an intruder. However older children who suffer from separation anxiety often deny they are anxious about leaving their home. Children with separation anxiety are often treated with behavioral therapy. It usually involves teaching children relaxation techniques and assisting them in learning to recognize and control their anxieties. In some cases, a mixture of therapies, such as cognitive therapy, is used. Adults should be consistent with their responses to children experiencing anxiety about separation. Children need to be taught that their requests for parents to stay home aren't valid, and they will only improve if they're given clear, firm boundaries and support as they work to overcome their fears.