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Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder Separation anxiety disorders affect children and adolescents who fret overly when they are away from their parents, caregivers, or other important people. They might also worry about the negative consequences of separation, for example, being lost or getting injured. Psychotherapy and medication are a great option to treat children suffering from separation anxiety disorder . Therapy includes teaching the child to approach feared situations gradually by providing reassurance and encouragement. Symptoms Although some anxiety about being apart from loved ones is normal separation anxiety disorder causes people much more intensely anxious than others when it comes to the separation from family members and primary caregiving figures. People who suffer from this disorder are concerned that something tragic will occur to their family member if they are separated, for example, being lost or getting sick. They might also be afraid of other circumstances that could make them separated from their loved ones, including being abducted or having an accident in a vehicle. The onset of this disorder typically begins in childhood, though adults can develop it at any time. It's not known what causes adult separation anxiety, but it can be triggered by major life changes or by previous mental health issues, like depression or PTSD. People suffering from this disorder may feel a lot 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 characterized by excessive distress when someone is separated from family, significant distress while away from home or working, and recurring dreams involving separation. These symptoms can cause people to avoid travel or other activities that require physical separation from family members, such as returning to school. Children with this condition may have difficulty sleeping or suffer from a range of physical ailments, such as headaches or stomachaches, when they are worried about being alone. To diagnose this disorder a healthcare provider will ask about your or your child's past and present symptoms. They will also inquire about your family and other relationships to find out how you have faced separation anxiety in the past. Treatment for this disorder can include talking therapy and, in some instances medications. Your therapist can show you and your child methods to cope with their fears. They can also assist you deal with situations that scare you through a step-by-step method that will help your child learn how to cope with separations and build their confidence. The medications can calm the mind and body, as well as help ease your child's fears. Diagnosis Separation anxiety disorder can cause individuals to feel intense stress when they are away from their home or close family members. The symptoms of separation anxiety are more persistent than normal anxiety and fear. They can last up to six months for adults and for up to four weeks in children. They cause significant disruptions in the daily routine at school, work, and home. It can also affect a person's socialization and ability to form romantic relationships. To diagnose this disorder A mental health professional will interview the patient and observe their behavior. The provider will want to know when the symptoms started and what causes them to become more or less severe. Based on the age of the patient, a mental health professional will also inquire about any recent events that may have caused stress and any past trauma. 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 such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other causes include childhood family traumas like parental mental illnesses, domestic violence, substance abuse and child neglect and abuse. The diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in adults is more difficult since there aren't any lab tests for the condition and it may have a variety of symptoms with other fears. Separation anxiety disorder is more prevalent for adults who have had an emotional trauma or a major loss. Certain studies suggest that those who were diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder in childhood are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression in adulthood. Several treatment options are available for people with separation anxiety disorder. There are a variety of treatment options available to those suffering from. Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidepressants, can help overcome their fear. Parents suffering from this disorder can benefit from techniques and training to strengthen their relationship with their child. Treatment Separation anxiety disorder may be diagnosed when children's fear of strangers and clinginess is persistent throughout the elementary school years, and is associated with physical symptoms, and affects daily activities. According to the BetterHelp online therapy service, separation anxiety disorder is the most common anxiety disorder that is diagnosed in children, affecting up to 4 percent of them with a onset age of 7 years old. The doctor who treats your child will conduct a thorough examination to rule out physical issues that could cause anxiety. If no physical problems are discovered then the healthcare provider for your child will refer them to an anxiety disorder specialist. For children it will likely be a child psychologist or psychiatrist. Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is usually the first course of treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The therapy therapist will assist your child to help them learn healthy ways to manage their feelings, increasing self-confidence and independence, and building their resilience. The therapist will also train parents on how to support their child and help them with their anxiety. The use of medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is often used in conjunction with psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder. Based on the specific needs of your child's requirements, their therapy therapist will determine which options are best for their specific needs. Children with severe anxiety, like could benefit from a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure therapy. This means gradually exposing your child to the situations that cause anxiety over time in small steps until they are comfortable. Often, children with separation anxiety disorder will improve as they grow older and their symptoms diminish. There are some adults who suffer from symptoms of separation disorder throughout their adult lives. This could make it difficult for them to maintain relationships or achieve certain career goals, like returning to college or relocating to work. Adults who suffer from separation disorder are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression, phobias, or post-traumatic disorder. The following is a list with preventions. Separation anxiety is a common occurrence in many children. For others it can be an issue that is serious and can interfere with their lives and prevents them from taking part in activities they like. Consult a mental health professional if your child's anxiety is affecting their daily routine. Children with separation anxiety disorder suffer extreme anxiety when they are separated from their parents or other important relationships. They are constantly worried about being snatched away or lost or that an accident will cause them to lose the people closest to them. They may be having a difficult time sleeping on their own at night, or they might refuse to go to school, camp or play dates with their parents. The signs of separation anxiety in children must last at least four weeks before a doctor will determine the cause. The healthcare provider may interview both the child and the parents individually to get the full picture. They might also inquire about any other anxiety disorders or family history, as well as life events that could have triggered or made the separation anxiety more severe. Treatment for separation anxiety is determined by the age of the child and the severity of the symptoms. Children younger than 5 years old typically express their anxiety through specific worries about harm to their family members, such as the fear that their parents will get in a car accident or be attacked by burglars. However older children who suffer from separation anxiety usually deny that they are anxious about leaving the house. Behavioral therapy is a common treatment for children suffering from separation anxiety. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and helping them recognize and control their anxiety. In some instances there is a mix of therapies, such as cognitive therapy, is employed. It's crucial for adults to be consistent in their responses to children's separation anxiety. Children need to be aware that their parents' pleas not to leave them are not valid. They will only be able to improve if they receive clear, unambiguous boundaries and support in overcoming their fears.