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 frequently when they are not from their parents, caregivers or other important people. They might also be concerned that being separated could have negative consequences, like being lost or hurt. Psychotherapy and medication are a great option to treat children suffering from separation anxiety disorders. The child is taught to approach difficult situations slowly, with reassurance. Symptoms Separation anxiety disorder is more severe than normal anxiety when it comes to being separated from family and primary caregivers. People with this condition are worried that something terrible could occur to their family member when they are separated, for example, losing their way or falling ill. They might also be worried about other scenarios that could separate them from their loved ones for example, being kidnapped or being involved in an accident. The first signs of this anxiety disorder usually occurs in childhood, though adults can develop it at any age. Adult separation anxiety is not believed to be caused by a specific cause however it can be triggered by life changes such as depression, depression, or PTSD. The sufferers of this disorder might feel overly dependent on their children or their romantic partners, and have poor boundaries. Some may view them as overly clingy and demanding. This condition is characterized by extreme distress when someone is separated from family, significant distress when away from home or working, and recurring dreams involving separation. These symptoms can lead people to avoid traveling or other activities that require physical separation from their families, like going to school. Children with this condition may have physical issues, like stomach pains when they are worried about being alone. A healthcare professional will ask you about your previous and current symptoms or those of your child to diagnose separation anxiety. They will ask you about your family, and other relationships, to see how you've faced separation anxiety in the past. Talk therapy and, in certain instances, medication are used to treat this disorder. Your therapist will teach you and your child methods to cope with their fears. They can also help you approach situations that are feared in a step-by-step process that helps your child learn how to cope with separations and build their confidence. Medicines can help to relax the brain and relax the body which can ease the anxiety of your child. Diagnosis Separation anxiety disorder can cause people to experience extreme anxiety when they are away from their home or other close attachment figures. Contrary to the normal fears and anxieties that most people feel the symptoms of this disorder can be persistent, typically lasting more than four weeks in children and six months or longer for adults. They can cause significant disruption to daily life and function at school and work. The condition can also hinder with a person's ability form romantic relationships and socialize. To determine if this disorder is present A mental health professional will talk to the patient and observe their behavior. The healthcare provider will want determine when the symptoms began and what triggers them to be more or less severe. A mental health professional will inquire about recent events and history of trauma, depending on the age of the person. The doctor will also decide if there is another medical condition that may cause similar symptoms. This may be an illness such as cancer or an underlying neurological disorder, such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Other possible causes are familial adversities in childhood like parental mental illness, addiction to drugs or domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, as well as exposure to traumatizing events such as natural catastrophes or sexual assault, war or the death of loved ones. It is a challenge to identify separation anxiety disorder in adults, since there are no lab tests and the symptoms may be similar to the symptoms of other phobias. Separation anxiety disorder is more prevalent among adults who have suffered a traumatic experience or significant loss. Certain studies suggest that those who suffer from separation disorders in childhood may be more likely to develop anxiety and depression disorders as adults. Separation anxiety disorder can be treated in a variety of ways. Therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as well as antidepressants, can assist people to overcome their fears. People suffering from this disorder typically benefit from parental education and methods 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 impedes daily activities. According to the BetterHelp online therapy service the disorder of separation anxiety is the most frequent anxiety disorder that is diagnosed in children, affecting up to 4 percent of them, with an onset age of 7 years old. Your child's doctor will perform a thorough examination to rule out physical issues that could cause anxiety. If no physical issues are found then the healthcare provider for your child will refer them to an expert in anxiety disorders. This will likely be a child psychiatrist or psychologist. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is usually the first treatment option for separation anxiety disorder. The therapist will help your child learn how to manage their emotions and increase self-confidence and independence, as well as build resilience. The therapist will also train parents on how they can help their child and aid them cope with their anxiety. Treatment, such as antidepressants like selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is often prescribed in addition to psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder. Depending on your child's specific needs, the therapist will determine which treatment options are appropriate for the child. Children with extreme anxiety, for instance might benefit from a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure therapy. This involves gradually exposing your child to the situations that cause anxiety over time in small steps until they feel comfortable. As children age their symptoms typically decrease. However, some adults could continue to have symptoms of separation anxiety disorder throughout their adult lives. This makes it difficult to maintain relationships or to pursue certain career goals, like returning to college or relocating for work. Adults who suffer from separation anxiety have a high percentage of co-occurring conditions like other anxiety disorders such as depression, phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder, and a range of addiction disorders. disorders anxiety is a list of preventions. Separation anxiety is common in many children. But for others, it can become a serious problem that interferes with their lives and stops them from participating in activities they like. If your child's anxiety is disrupting their routine, talk to a mental health professional. Separation anxiety disorder is a condition where children experience severe distress when they are away from their parents or other attachment figures. They are constantly worried about being abducted, lost or experiencing an accident that could result in the loss of loved ones to them. They may also have a hard time falling asleep alone at night 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 have lasted at minimum four weeks. The healthcare provider can interview both the child and the parents individually to get the full picture. They may ask about any other anxiety disorders or family history, as well as life changes that might have caused or made separation anxiety worse. panic anxiety disorder for separation anxiety varies depending on the child's age and the severity of symptoms. Younger children typically express their anxiety through specific worries about harm to their attachment figures like a fear that their parents could be injured in a car accident or be attacked by burglars. However older children who suffer from separation anxiety usually deny that they are worried about leaving home. Children with separation anxiety are often treated using behavioral therapy. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and helping them identify and manage their anxiety. In some instances, a mixture of treatments, such as cognitive therapy, is utilized. Adults must be consistent in their responses to children who are experiencing separation anxiety. Children must be taught that their parents' pleas not to let them go are not valid. They will only be able to improve when they are given clear, definite boundaries and help in conquering their fears.