chardsneeze86

Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder Separation anxiety disorder is a problem that affects adolescents and children who worry excessively when they are separated from their parents, caregivers or other important people. They might also be worried about a possible negative outcome of separation, for example, being lost or getting injured. Children with separation anxiety disorders can be treated with therapy and medication. Therapy focuses on teaching children to deal with fearful situations slowly by providing reassurance and encouragement. Symptoms Although some anxiety about being apart from loved ones is normal separation anxiety disorder causes people more anxious than other people when it comes to being separated from family members and primary caregiver figures. People with this condition fear that their family member could be the victim of a tragic incident when they are separated. This could mean getting lost or getting sick. They might also be afraid of other scenarios that could make them separated from their loved ones, including being abducted or having an accident with a car. The onset of this disorder typically begins in childhood, though adults can develop it at any age. It's not known what causes adult separation anxiety however it could be triggered by major life changes or prior mental health issues such as depression or PTSD. People with this condition may feel a lot dependent on children or their romantic partners, and may lack boundaries. Others can view them as overly demanding and clingy. Symptoms of this condition include extreme stress when a person is cut off from their family, 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 involve a physical separation from family members, such as returning to school. Children who suffer from this condition might experience physical problems such as headaches or stomach pains when they are worried about being alone. To diagnose this disorder medical professionals will inquire about your your child's past and current symptoms. They will ask you about your family, and other relationships, to see how you've dealt with separation anxiety before. Talk therapy and, in some instances, medication are utilized to treat this disorder. Your therapist will instruct you and your children how to deal with the fear. They can help you and your child learn how to deal with separations in a step-by- step process. Medicines can help to relax the mind and relax the body which can help ease your child's anxiety. Diagnosis Separation anxiety disorder causes individuals to feel intense anxiety when they are away from their home or other close family members. Unlike normal fear and worry that people generally feel, the symptoms of this disorder are long-lasting, usually lasting for more than four weeks in children and more than six months in adults. They cause major disruption to the daily routine and functioning at school and work. It can also affect the social life of a person and their ability to form romantic relationships. A mental health professional will interview and observe the patient's behavior in order to diagnose the disorder. The doctor will want to know when the symptoms started and what makes them more or less severe. Depending on the person's age, a mental health professional will also inquire about any recent events that might have caused stress and any history of trauma. The doctor will also attempt 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 condition such as cerebral palsy or multiple-sclerosis. Other causes include family problems like parental mental illnesses or substance abuse, domestic violence and neglect and abuse of children. The diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder in adults is more difficult, as there are no lab tests for the condition and it can share many symptoms with other phobias. Separation anxiety disorder is more frequent for adults who have had a traumatic experience or significant loss. There are studies that suggest that those who have been diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder in childhood are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders as they age. Separation anxiety disorder can be treated in many ways. Therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidepressants, can assist people to overcome their fears. People with this disorder often benefit from education for parents and techniques to improve their relationship with their children. Treatment Separation anxiety disorder can be diagnosed when children's fear of strangers and clinginess persists throughout the elementary school years, and is accompanied with physical symptoms and interferes in everyday functioning. In fact, according to the BetterHelp online therapy service, separation anxiety disorder is the most prevalent anxiety disorder that is diagnosed in children with up to 4 percent of them with a onset age of about 7 years. Your child's healthcare professional will conduct a thorough exam to determine if there are any physical issues that may be causing their anxiety. If no physical issues are discovered the healthcare provider of your child will refer them to an expert in mental health who has experience in treating anxiety disorders. For children it will likely be a psychiatrist or child psychologist. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is often the first option of treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The therapy therapist will assist your child to learn how to manage their feelings, increase self-confidence and independence, and build resilience. The therapist will also instruct parents on how to help their child and aid them cope with their anxiety. The use of medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed along with psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder. The therapist will determine which treatment option is best for your child based upon their particular needs. For instance, children suffering from extreme anxiety may benefit from a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This is the process of gradually expose your child to situations that trigger anxiety over time in a series of small steps until they are comfortable. As children age their symptoms tend to decrease. Some adults may still have symptoms of separation anxiety in their adulthood. It can be challenging for them maintain relationships or to pursue certain career goals like returning to college or going to work. Adults who suffer from separation disorder are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders, such as depression, phobias, and post-traumatic disorder. Prevention For many children who are anxious about separation, it is a normal part of development. However, for some it can be a serious problem that interferes with their lives and prevents them from engaging in activities they like. Speak to a mental healthcare professional if your child's fear affects their daily routine. Children with separation anxiety disorder experience extreme distress when separated from their parents or other important attachment figures. They are always worried about being snatched away or lost or that an accident could cause them to lose the people closest to themselves. They may struggle to fall asleep at night or refusing to go to play dates, school or camp without parents. Doctors are not able to diagnose separation anxiety until the signs of a child last at minimum four weeks. Often, the healthcare provider will interview the child and parents in a separate interview to get an entire picture of the situation. They might ask questions about 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 their anxiety through worrying about their attachment figures. For instance they might be worried that their parents are involved in a car accident or attacked by burglars. However, older children with separation anxiety typically deny that they are worried about leaving the house. Behavioral therapy is a popular treatment for children with separation anxiety. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and helping them recognize and control their anxiety. In some cases it is necessary to combine treatments is employed, such as cognitive therapy and medication. Adults must be consistent in their responses to children who are experiencing separation anxiety. Kids need to know that their requests for parents to stay home are not valid, and they'll only improve if provided with clear, definite boundaries and a lot of support while they work to overcome their fears.