20 Tips To Help You Be Better At Anxiety Disorder Separation

Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is a problem that affects children and adolescents who worry frequently when they are not from their caregivers, parents, or other important people. They might also worry about the possible negative effects of separation, for example, being lost or getting injured.

Psychotherapy and medications can be used to treat children with separation anxiety disorder. The child is taught to handle difficult situations slowly, with assurance.

Symptoms

Separation anxiety disorder is more intense than normal anxiety in relation to being separated from family and primary caregivers. People with this disorder are concerned that something tragic will occur to their family member while they are separated, for example, getting lost or becoming ill. They may also be fearful of other circumstances that could cause separation from their loved one, including being abducted or having an accident in a vehicle.

This anxiety disorder can be experienced by adults at any age. It's unclear what causes separation anxiety in adults however, it could be caused by significant life changes or previous mental health issues, like depression or PTSD. The people who suffer from this condition may be overly dependent on their children or their romantic partners and exhibit poor boundaries. Others can view them as overly demanding and clingy.

The symptoms of this condition include a high level of distress when a person is separated from their family, significant distress when they are away from home or work and frequent nightmares about separation. These symptoms can make people avoid traveling or other activities that entail a physical separation from their families, for example, going to school. Children with this condition may have physical issues, such as headaches or stomach pains if they worry about being on their own.

To diagnose this disorder, medical professionals will inquire about your your child's past and current symptoms. They will inquire about your family and other relationships, to determine how you've been able to manage separation anxiety before.

Talk therapy and, in a few instances, medication are used to treat this condition. Your therapist will instruct you and your children how to cope with the fear. They can also guide you deal with situations that scare you in a step-by-step process that can help your child understand how to handle separations and increase their confidence. The medications can calm the brain and relax the body to help ease your child's fears.

Diagnosis

A person suffering from separation anxiety disorder will feel extreme distress when apart from the home or close family members. The symptoms of separation anxiety disorder can be more severe than normal anxiety and fear. They can last for up to six months for adults and for up to four weeks in children. They cause major disruptions in daily life at school, work, and home. The condition can also interfere with the ability of a person to form romantic relationships and socialize.

A mental health professional will interview and examine the patient's behavior to determine the cause of the disorder. The doctor 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 might also inquire about any recent events that could have caused stress, as well as any past trauma.

The provider will also try to determine whether the phobia is a result of 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 childhood family traumas like mental illness of the parents and domestic violence, substance abuse and child neglect and abuse.

Diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in adults is more difficult, because there aren't any laboratory tests for the condition and it can share many symptoms with other anxiety disorders. Separation anxiety disorder is more common for adults who have had a traumatic experience or significant loss. Certain studies suggest that those diagnosed with separation disorder in childhood may be more likely to develop anxiety and depression disorders as adults.

Several treatment options are available for people with separation anxiety disorder. There are a variety of treatment options available to those suffering from. Treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications, such as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors and antidepressants, can help overcome their fears. Parents who suffer from this disorder can benefit from techniques and training to strengthen their relationship with their child.

Treatment

Separation anxiety disorder is diagnosed when the child's fear of being around strangers and clinginess is persistent throughout elementary school, and is associated with physical symptoms, and affects daily functioning. According to BetterHelp an online therapy service for children that treat separation anxiety disorder, it is a problem that affects as many as 4% of children, with a median age of 7 years.

The doctor who treats your child will conduct an extensive exam to rule out physical problems that could cause anxiety. If no physical problems are found the doctor who treats your child will refer them to a mental health professional with experience in anxiety disorders. It could be a psychologist or child psychiatrist.

Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) is typically the first treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The therapist will help your child learn how to manage their feelings and increase self-confidence and independence, and build resilience. The therapist will also educate 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 needs, the therapy therapist will determine which options are appropriate for their specific needs. Children who suffer from severe anxiety, for example might benefit from a combination cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as exposure therapy. This is when your child is exposed to situations that cause anxiety gradually, in small steps, until they are at ease with them.

As children get older their symptoms tend to decrease. Some adults may still have symptoms of separation anxiety in their adult life. This makes it difficult to maintain relationships or to pursue certain career goals, such as going back to college or moving for work. Adults suffering from separation anxiety disorder are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions like other anxiety disorders such as depression, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder, and a range of addiction disorders.

The following is a list of preventatives.

For many kids, separation anxiety is a normal part of development. But for others it can turn into a serious problem that interferes with their lives and blocks them from engaging in activities they enjoy. If  treatments for anxiety disorders  is disrupting their routine discuss it with a mental health professional.

Children suffering from separation anxiety disorder suffer extreme stress when they are separated from their parents or other important relationships. They have persistent fears about being lost, kidnapped, or experiencing an accident that could result in the loss of loved ones to them. They may also have trouble sleeping on their own at night or they may refuse to go to camps, school, or play dates without their parents.

Doctors do not diagnose separation anxiety until the signs of a child have lasted at minimum four weeks. The healthcare provider can interview both the child and parents in a separate session to obtain the complete picture. They may also ask questions about other anxiety disorders or changes in the life like family history or life events that may cause separation anxiety.

Treatment for separation anxiety disorder differs based on the age of the child, and the severity of the symptoms. Children express their anxiety through worrying about their attachment figures. For instance they might worry that their parents are in a car crash or be attacked by a burglar. Separation anxiety in older children is often ignored by them.

Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for children with separation anxiety. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and assisting them to identify and manage their anxiety. In some cases it is necessary to combine therapies, such as cognitive therapy, is employed.

Adults should be consistent with their responses to children who are experiencing separation anxiety. Children must be taught that their parents' pleas not to leave them not valid. They will only be able to improve when they are given clear, firm boundaries, and help in overcoming their fears.