There's A Reason Why The Most Common Anxiety Disorder Separation Debate It's Not As Black And White As You Might Think

Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is a problem that affects children and adolescents who worry excessively when they are separated from their caregivers, parents or other significant people. They may also worry that being separated could have negative consequences, for example, being hurt or lost.

Psychotherapy and medication can be used to treat children with separation anxiety disorder. The child is taught to tackle the fearful situations slowly, and with confidence.

Symptoms

Separation anxiety disorder is more intense than normal anxiety when it comes to being separated from family and primary caregivers. People with this condition are afraid that something bad will happen to their family member when they are separated, such as being lost or getting sick. They might also be scared of other situations that could cause separation from their loved ones such as being kidnapped or having a an accident in a vehicle.

This anxiety disorder can affect adults at any age. Adult separation anxiety is not thought to be caused by a specific cause however it can be triggered by life changes such as depression, depression, or PTSD. People who suffer from this disorder may feel too dependent on their spouses or children and have trouble establishing boundaries. Some may see them as being too demanding or clingy.

This condition is marked by a high level of distress when one is cut off from family, significant distress while away from home or at work, and frequent thoughts of separation. These symptoms can cause people avoid travel or other activities that require physical separation from family members, such as going back to school. Children with this condition may have trouble sleeping or suffer from a range of physical issues, such as headaches or stomachaches, when they are worried about being alone.

A healthcare professional will inquire with you about your past and current symptoms or those of your child in order to determine the cause of separation anxiety. 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 used to treat this condition. Your therapist will teach you and your child how to manage their fears. They can also guide you approach situations that are feared by guiding you through the steps that can help your child understand how to handle separations and increase their confidence. Medicines can help to relax the brain and relax the body, which can help ease your child's anxiety.

Diagnosis

Separation anxiety disorder causes a person to feel extreme distress if they are away from their home or other close family members. Contrary to the normal fears and anxieties that people generally suffer from, the symptoms of this disorder are long-lasting, usually lasting more than four weeks for children and more than six months in adults. They can cause significant disruption to the daily routine and functioning at school and work. The condition can also hinder with a person's ability to form romantic relationships and socialize.

A mental health professional will interview and observe the patient's behavior in order to diagnose this disorder. The provider will ask when symptoms started and what triggers them to worsen or improve. A mental health professional will ask about recent events and the history of trauma in relation to the age of the person.

The doctor will also attempt to determine whether the phobia is the result of a different medical condition that can cause similar symptoms, like an illness, like cancer or a neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Other causes include childhood family adversities such as mental illness in the family and domestic violence, substance abuse and child neglect and abuse.

Diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in adults is more difficult, since there aren't any lab tests for the condition and it may share a number of symptoms with other phobias. Separation anxiety disorder is more prevalent for adults who have had an emotional trauma or a major loss. Certain studies suggest that those who suffer from separation disorders in childhood are more likely to develop anxiety and depression disorders later in life.

There are a variety of treatment options available for people with separation anxiety disorder. There are a variety of treatment options available to those suffering from. Individuals suffering from separation anxiety can overcome their fear through therapy, such a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or prescription medications such as selective serotonin receptor antagonists and antidepressants. Parents with this disorder can benefit from techniques and training to improve their relationship with their child.

Treatment

Separation anxiety disorder can be diagnosed when the child's fear of being around strangers and clinginess continues throughout elementary school, is manifested by physical symptoms, and affects everyday functioning. In fact, 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 an onset age of around 7 years.

panic anxiety disorder  will perform a thorough exam to rule out any physical problems that may be causing their anxiety. If no physical problems are discovered, the healthcare provider for your child will refer them to an anxiety disorder specialist. This could be a child psychiatrist or psychologist.

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is typically the first option of treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The therapy therapist will work with your child to help them learn healthy ways of managing their feelings, increasing confidence and independence, as well as building resilience. The therapist will also train parents on how to help their child and aid them with their anxiety. Treatment, such as antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is often used in conjunction with psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder.

Based on your child's individual needs, the therapist will determine which treatment options are appropriate for the child. Children with severe anxiety, for example could benefit from a mix of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure therapy. This is when your child is exposed to situations that trigger their anxiety gradually over time by introducing them in small increments until they feel at ease with them.

As children get older their symptoms tend to decrease. However, some adults may continue to 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 with separation anxiety disorder have a high rate of co-occurring conditions, such as other types of anxiety disorders depression, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a variety of substance use disorders.

Prevention

Separation anxiety is common in many children. But for others, it can become an issue that is serious and can interfere with their lives and prevents them from participating in activities they like. If your child's anxiety is disrupting their routine discuss it with a mental health professional.

Separation anxiety disorder is a condition in which children experience severe distress when they are away from their parents or other attachment figures. They have persistent fears about being abducted, lost, or experiencing an accident that could cause the loss of people who are close to them. They may struggle to fall asleep at night or refusing to go to play dates, school, or camp without their parents.

A child's separation anxiety symptoms should last for at least four weeks before a doctor can diagnose the condition. The healthcare provider can interview both the child and the parents individually to obtain the complete picture. They may also ask questions regarding other anxiety disorders or life changes, such as family history and life events that may trigger the separation anxiety.

Treatment for separation anxiety is determined by the age of the child and the severity of the symptoms. Children express anxiety by worrying about their attachment figures. For instance they might be worried that their parents could be in a car crash or harmed by a burglar. In contrast, older children with 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 assisting them to identify and manage their anxiety. In some cases, a combination of treatments is employed, such as cognitive therapy and medication.

Adults should be consistent in their responses to children experiencing anxiety over separation. Children need to be taught that their pleas to parents to stay home aren't valid, and they will only get better if they're given clear, precise boundaries and a lot of support while they work to overcome their fears.