From All Over The Web 20 Amazing Infographics About Anxiety Disorder Separation
Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorder is a problem that affects children and adolescents who fret overly when they are away from their caregivers, parents or other significant people. They may also worry that separation could have negative consequences, like being lost or hurt.
Psychotherapy and medication are a great option to treat children with separation anxiety disorder. Therapy involves teaching the child to approach feared situations gradually by providing reassurance and encouragement.
Signs and symptoms
Separation anxiety disorder is more severe than normal anxiety when it comes to being separated from family and primary caregivers. People suffering from this condition are afraid that something bad will occur to their family member if they are separated, such as being lost or getting sick. They might also be afraid of other scenarios that could make them separated from their loved one, such as being kidnapped or having a an accident with a car.
The onset of this anxiety disorder typically occurs in the earliest years of life, however adults can be affected at any time. Adult separation anxiety isn't known to be caused by any specific factor, but it may be triggered by life changes or depression. It can also be caused by PTSD. People with this condition may feel a lot dependent on children or their romantic partners, and may lack boundaries. Others may perceive them as too demanding or clingy.
This condition is characterized by excessive distress when one is cut off from their family, significant stress when away from home or working, and recurring dreams involving separation. These symptoms can make people avoid travel or other activities that require the physical separation of their families, such as going to school. Children who suffer from this condition might have physical issues, such as headaches or stomach pains when they are worried about being on their own.
To diagnose this disorder the healthcare professional will inquire about your or your child's past and current symptoms. They will also ask you 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 utilized to treat this condition. Your therapist will show you and your children how to cope with the fear. They can also help you deal with situations that scare you in a step-by-step process that can help your child understand how to deal with separations and increase their confidence. The medications can calm the brain and body, as well as reduce your child's anxiety.
Diagnosis
A person suffering from separation anxiety disorder will experience extreme stress when they are away from their home or close attachment figures. In contrast to the normal anxiety and fear that people generally feel, the symptoms of this disorder are long-lasting, usually lasting for more than four weeks for children and more than six months for adults. They create major disruptions to the daily routine and functioning at work and school. It can also impact the social life of a person and their ability to establish romantic relationships.
To determine the cause of this disorder A mental health professional will talk to the patient and observe their behavior. The healthcare provider will ask when symptoms first started and what triggers the symptoms to become worse or better. A mental health professional will ask about recent events and history of trauma dependent on the age of the person.
The doctor will also decide whether there is another medical condition that could cause similar symptoms. This could be due to an illness like cancer or a neurological disorder like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other causes are family traumas like mental illness of the parents and substance abuse, domestic violence and neglect and abuse of children.
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 phobias. Anyone who develops a separation anxiety disorder in their adulthood typically experiences it after trauma or a significant loss. Some studies suggest that people who have been diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder as children are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression later in life.
Separation anxiety disorder can be treated in a variety of ways. Treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as well as antidepressants, can help people overcome the phobia. Parents with this disorder can benefit from methods and training to strengthen their relationship with their child.
Treatment
Many children go through a phase when they become anxious and clingy to strangers If this fear persists throughout elementary school and beyond, is manifested as physical symptoms and causes problems with daily activities it could be an indication of separation anxiety disorder. According to BetterHelp an online therapy service for children, separation anxiety disorder can affect up to 4% of children with an average age of 7 years old.
Your child's doctor will conduct an exhaustive exam to rule out physical issues that could be causing anxiety. If no physical problems are identified the healthcare provider of your child will refer them to a mental health professional with experience in treating anxiety disorders. For children it will likely be a child psychologist or psychiatrist.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is usually the first treatment option for separation anxiety disorder. The therapy therapist will assist your child to discover healthy ways to manage their feelings and increase self-confidence and independence, as well as build resilience. The therapist will educate parents on how they can assist their child who is suffering from anxiety. Medication, including antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is often prescribed along with psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder.
The therapist will decide the best treatment plan for your child based on their specific needs. Children who suffer from severe anxiety, like could benefit from a mix of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This is the process of gradually expose your child to situations that trigger anxiety in small steps until they are comfortable.
As children get older their symptoms typically decrease. However, some adults may still suffer from symptoms of separation anxiety throughout their adult lives. This could make it difficult for them to keep relationships or achieve certain career goals, such as returning to college or moving for work. Adults with separation disorder are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders, such as depression, phobias, and post-traumatic disorder.
The following is a list of preventatives.
Separation anxiety is a common occurrence in many children. For others, separation anxiety can be a serious issue that interferes in their lives and prevents participation in activities they love. If your child's worries are disrupting their routine discuss it with an expert in mental health.
Children suffering from separation anxiety disorder suffer extreme anxiety when they are separated from their parents or other major family members. They are always worried about being kidnapped or lost or that an accident could result in the loss of those closest to them. They may also have a hard time sleeping on their own at night or refusing to go to school, camp, or play dates without their parents.
Doctors will not diagnose separation anxiety until the signs of a child are present for at minimum four weeks. Often, the healthcare provider will interview the child and their parents separately to get a full picture of the situation. They may inquire about any other anxiety disorder s or family history as well as life changes that might have triggered or made the separation anxiety more severe.
Treatment for separation anxiety disorder varies depending on the child's age, and the severity of the symptoms. Children express their anxiety by worrying about their attachment figures. For example they might worry that their parents are involved in a car accident or be attacked by a burglar. However older children with separation anxiety usually deny that they are anxious about leaving their home.
Children who suffer from separation anxiety are often treated using behavioral therapy. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children, and helping them understand and manage their anxiety. In some instances there is a mix of treatments, such as cognitive therapy, is used.
It's important for adults to be consistent in their responses to children's separation anxiety. Children must be taught that their parents' pleas not to leave them are not valid. They will only improve when they are given clear, unambiguous boundaries and help in conquering their fears.