It's Time To Forget Anxiety Disorder Separation: 10 Reasons Why You Do Not Need It

Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder Children and adolescents who suffer from separation anxiety disorder worry excessively about being away from their caregivers, parents or other important people in their lives. They might also be worried about the negative consequences of separation, for example, getting lost or being injured. Children with separation anxiety disorders can be treated with psychotherapy and medications. The child is taught to handle feared situations slowly, with assurance. Symptoms Separation anxiety disorder is more severe than normal anxiety when it comes to being separated from family and primary caregivers. People who suffer from this condition are afraid that something tragic will occur to their family member when they are separated, such as being lost or getting sick. They may also fear other situations that can separate them from their loved ones, for example, being kidnapped or being involved in a car accident. This anxiety disorder can affect people at any age. Adult separation anxiety is not thought to be caused by a specific cause however it can be triggered by changes in life such as depression, depression, or PTSD. People suffering from this disorder may be overly dependent on children or romantic partners, and lack boundaries. Some may view them as excessively demanding and clingy. Symptoms of this condition include extreme stress when a person is separated from their family, severe distress when they are away from home or work and recurrent nightmares involving separation. These symptoms can cause people to avoid travel or other activities that require physical separation from family members, such as going back to school. Children with this condition may have difficulty sleeping or may experience a variety of physical problems including headaches or stomachaches, in the event of anxiety about being on their own. To determine the severity of this disorder, the healthcare professional will inquire about your or your child's past and present symptoms. They will also ask you about your family and other relationships to find out how you've faced separation anxiety in the past. Treatment for this disorder consists of therapy for talk and, in some cases medications. 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 step process. The medication can relax the mind and body, as well as help ease your child's fears. Diagnosis Separation anxiety disorder can cause individuals to feel intense anxiety when they are away from their home or close relatives. The symptoms of separation anxiety disorder are more persistent than normal anxiety and anxiety and. They can last up to six months in adults and for up to four weeks in children. They can cause significant disruptions in the daily routine, school, and work. The condition can also interfere with a person's ability create romantic relationships and socialize. A mental health professional will interview and examine the patient's behavior to diagnose the disorder. The doctor will want to determine when the symptoms began and what causes them to become more or less severe. Depending on the individual's age, a mental health professional will also inquire about recent events that may have caused stress, as well as any previous trauma history. The doctor will also determine whether there is a medical condition that may cause similar symptoms. This may be an illness such as cancer, or a neurological disorder like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other causes include childhood family traumas like mental illness of the parents and domestic violence, abuse of substances and child abuse and neglect. It is a challenge to identify separation anxiety disorder in adults because there aren't any lab tests and the symptoms may be similar to other phobias. Anyone who develops separation anxiety disorder in their adulthood typically is a victim of trauma or a significant loss. Certain studies suggest that those who were diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder as children are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders later in life. Separation anxiety disorder can be treated in various ways. Individuals suffering from separation anxiety can overcome their phobia through therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication like selective serotonin receptor antagonists and antidepressants. Parents suffering from this disorder can benefit from strategies and education to strengthen their relationship with their child. Treatment Many children go through a phase where they are clingy and fearful of strangers When this fear persists through the elementary years and beyond and is accompanied by physical symptoms, and affects daily functioning it could be a sign of separation anxiety disorder. According to the BetterHelp online therapy service that separation anxiety disorder is the most prevalent anxiety disorder that is diagnosed in children with up to 4% of them, with an age at onset 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 ailments are found the healthcare professional for your child will refer them to an anxiety disorder specialist. For children, this will most likely be a child psychologist or psychiatrist. Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is usually the first treatment option for separation anxiety disorder. The therapy therapist will assist your child to teach them healthy ways of managing their feelings, increasing confidence in themselves and their independence, and developing resilience. The therapist will instruct parents on how they can aid their child suffering from anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is typically treated with medication, including antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Based on your child's individual needs, the counselor will determine what treatment options are most appropriate for their specific needs. Children who suffer from extreme anxiety, for instance might benefit from a mix of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as exposure therapy. This involves gradually expose your child to situations that cause anxiety over time in small steps until they become comfortable. Typically, children suffering from separation anxiety disorder will improve as they age, and their symptoms will decrease. However, anxiety control could continue to have symptoms of separation anxiety throughout their adult lives. It can be challenging to maintain relationships or to pursue certain career goals such as returning to school or moving to work. Adults with separation anxiety disorder have a high rate of co-occurring disorders, including other types of anxiety disorders, depression, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder, and a variety of substance use disorders. Prevention Separation anxiety is common in many children. For others, separation anxiety is a serious problem that affects their lives and hinders their participation in the activities they enjoy. Speak to a mental healthcare professional if your child's anxiety is affecting their daily routine. Children suffering from separation anxiety disorder suffer extreme stress when they are separated from their parents or other important relationships. They are constantly worried about being abducted, lost or having an accident that will lead to the loss of those closest to them. They might also have a hard time sleeping at night on their own or they may refuse to go to school, camp or play dates without their parents. Doctors will not diagnose separation anxiety until the symptoms of a child are present for at least four weeks. The healthcare provider may interview both the child as well as the parents in a separate session to get the full picture. They may ask about any other anxiety disorders, family history, and life changes that might have caused or made the separation anxiety more severe. Treatment for separation anxiety disorder differs based on the age of the child and the severity of symptoms. Children express their anxiety through worrying about their attachment figures. For example, they may worry that their parents could be in a car crash or be attacked by a burglar. However older children with separation anxiety typically deny that they are worried about leaving the house. Behavioral therapy is a typical treatment for children with separation anxiety. It typically involves teaching children relaxation techniques and helping them learn to recognize and control their anxieties. In some cases it is necessary to combine therapies, including cognitive therapy, is used. It is crucial for adults to be consistent in their responses to children's separation anxiety. Children need to be taught that their requests for parents not to leave are not valid and they will only get better if they're given clear, firm boundaries and a helping hand as they try to overcome their fears.