Anxiety Disorder Separation Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder Separation anxiety disorders affect adolescents and children who worry excessively when they are separated from their caregivers, parents, or other important people. They might also worry about a possible negative outcome of separation, such as getting lost or being injured. Psychotherapy and medication can be used to treat children suffering from separation anxiety disorder. Therapy includes teaching the child to manage fearful situations gradually by providing reassurance and encouragement. Symptoms Separation anxiety disorder is more intense than normal anxiety in the event of being separated from family and primary caregivers. People with this disorder are concerned that something tragic will happen to their family member while they are separated, for example, being lost or getting sick. They may also fear other situations that can separate them from their loved ones, such as being abducted or being involved in a car accident. This anxiety disorder can be experienced by adults at any age. Adult separation anxiety isn't believed to be caused by any specific factor however it can be triggered by changes in life such as depression, depression, or PTSD. People with this condition may feel a lot dependent on their children or their romantic partners, and lack boundaries. Some may view them as overly clingy and demanding. Symptoms of this condition include extreme stress when a person is separated from their family members, severe anxiety when they are away from work or home and frequent nightmares of separation. These symptoms can make people avoid travel or other activities that require physical separation from family members, for example, going back to school. Children who suffer from this condition may have trouble sleeping or experience a variety of physical issues like headaches or stomach pains when they are worried about being left alone. To diagnose this disorder a healthcare provider will ask about your your child's past and current symptoms. They will also inquire about your family and other relationships to determine how you have overcome separation anxiety in the past. Talk therapy and, in a few instances, medication are used to treat this condition. Your therapist will teach you and your children how to cope with the anxiety. They can assist you and your child learn to manage separations in a step-by- procedure. The medications can calm the mind and relax the body to help ease your child's fears. Diagnosis A person suffering from separation anxiety will feel extreme distress when separated from family members or close friends. Contrary to the normal fears and anxieties that many people feel the symptoms of this disorder are persistent, often lasting longer than four weeks for children, and up to six months or longer in adults. They cause major disruption to daily life and function at school and work. The condition can also cause problems with the ability of a person to form romantic relationships and socialize. To diagnose this disorder, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and observe the patient's behavior. The provider will want to know when the symptoms started and what triggers them to be more or less severe. A mental health professional will inquire about recent events and the history of trauma dependent on the age of the person. The provider will also try to determine if the phobia is due to another medical condition that can cause similar symptoms, for example an illness, such as cancer or a neurological issue like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other causes include family adversities such as mental illness in the family or substance abuse, domestic violence and child abuse and neglect. It can be difficult to diagnose separation anxiety disorder in adults because there aren't any lab tests and the symptoms can be similar to other fears. Someone who suffers from separation anxiety disorder in their adulthood typically does so after experiencing an event that was traumatic or a major loss. Some studies suggest that people diagnosed with separation disorder in their early years may be more likely to develop anxiety and depression disorders as adults. A variety of treatment options are available for people with separation anxiety disorder. There are many treatment options available for people suffering from. Individuals suffering from separation anxiety can overcome their phobia through therapy, like a cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) or medication like selective serotonin receptor antagonists and antidepressants. People suffering from this disorder usually benefit from education for parents and techniques to improve the quality of their relationship with their children. Treatment Separation anxiety disorder can be diagnosed when children's fear of strangers and clinginess persists throughout elementary school, and is accompanied with physical symptoms and interferes in daily activities. According to BetterHelp an online therapy service for children the disorder of separation anxiety is a problem that affects as many as 4% of children and has an average age of 7 years. Your child's doctor will conduct an exhaustive exam to rule out physical ailments that could be causing anxiety. If no physical problems are discovered then the healthcare provider for your child will refer them to an expert in anxiety disorders. This could be a child psychiatrist or psychologist. Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is typically the first option of treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The Therapist will assist your child to help them develop healthy ways to manage their emotions, boosting confidence in themselves and their independence, and building their resilience. The therapist will educate parents on ways to aid their child suffering from anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is usually treated with medication, such as antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The therapist will determine the best treatment plan for your child based on their individual needs. For instance, children suffering from extreme anxiety may benefit from a combination of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This involves exposing your child to situations that trigger their anxiety gradually over time, in small steps, until they are comfortable with them. Typically, children suffering from separation anxiety disorder will improve as they age and their symptoms decrease. There are some adults who have symptoms of separation anxiety throughout their adult lives. It can be challenging to keep relationships going or to achieve certain career goals such as returning to college or going to work. Adults suffering from separation anxiety disorder have a high rate of co-occurring conditions, such as other types of anxiety disorders such as depression, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder, and a range of substance use disorders. Prevention Separation anxiety is common among many children. For some, separation anxiety can be a serious issue that can affect their lives and hinders their participation in the activities they enjoy. If your child's fears are disrupting their routine, talk to an expert in mental health. Children suffering from separation anxiety suffer extreme stress when they are separated from their parents or other significant relationships. They are always worried about being kidnapped or lost, or that an accident might result in the loss of those closest to them. They might have difficulty falling to sleep at night, or refusing to go to play dates, school or camp without parents. Doctors will not diagnose separation anxiety until the signs of a child are present for at least four weeks. Often, the healthcare provider will interview the child and parents separately to obtain an accurate picture of the situation. They may also ask questions regarding other anxiety disorders or changes in the life like family history or life events that could cause separation anxiety. Treatment for separation anxiety is determined according to the age of the child and the severity of the symptoms. Children younger than 5 years old usually express their anxiety through specific worries about harm to their attachment figures for example, being worried that their parents might be hurt in a car accident or be attacked by an intruder. In generalized anxiety disorder who suffer from separation anxiety usually deny that they are worried about leaving home. Children who have anxiety about separation are often treated with behavioral therapy. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and assisting them to recognize and control their anxiety. In some cases it is necessary to combine treatments is employed, such as cognitive therapy and medication. It's important for adults to be consistent in their responses to children's separation anxiety. Kids need to know that their pleas to parents not to leave are not valid and they will only get better if they're given clear, precise boundaries and support as they work to overcome their fears.