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Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety DisorderChildren and adolescents who suffer from separation anxiety disorder are anxious about being separated from their parents, caregivers or other significant people in their lives. They might also be concerned that separation could result in negative consequences, for example, getting hurt or lost.Psychotherapy and medication are a great option to treat children with separation anxiety disorder. Therapy focuses on teaching children to manage fearful situations gradually by providing reassurance and encouragement.Signs and symptomsWhile some anxiety about being separated from loved ones is normal, separation anxiety disorder makes people more anxious than others when it comes to being separated from family members and primary caregiver figures. People with this condition are afraid that something bad will occur to their family member if they are separated, for example, getting lost or becoming ill. They might also be worried about other situations that could keep them from their loved ones for example, being kidnapped or being involved in a car accident.The first signs of this anxiety disorder typically occurs in the early years of childhood, but adults can develop it at any age. It's not known what causes adult separation anxiety, but it can be triggered by major life changes or by previous mental health issues, such as depression or PTSD. The sufferers of this disorder might be overly dependent on children or their romantic partners, and may lack boundaries. Others may perceive them as being too clingy or demanding.This condition is characterized by extreme anxiety when a person is separated from family, significant distress when away from home or at work, and recurrent thoughts of separation. These symptoms can cause people to avoid travel or other activities that involve physical separation from their families, like going to school. Children suffering from this condition could experience physical problems like stomach pains if they worry about being on their own.Iam Psychiatry will inquire with you about your previous and current symptoms, or those of your child to determine if you suffer from separation anxiety. They will ask you about your family, and other relationships to determine how you've faced separation anxiety in the past.Treatment for this disorder includes therapy for talk and, in some instances, medication. Your therapist will show you and your children how to cope with the fears. They can help you and your child learn how to deal with separations in a step by procedure. The medication can relax the brain, relax the body and ease your child's anxieties.DiagnosisSeparation anxiety disorder causes individuals to feel intense anxiety when they are away from their home or close family members. In contrast to the normal anxiety and fear that people generally experience, the symptoms of this disorder can be persistent, typically lasting longer than four weeks in children, and up to more than six months for adults. They can cause significant disruption to daily activities and performance at school and work. The condition can also hinder with a person's ability establish romantic relationships and socialize.A mental health professional will interview and examine the patient's behavior to diagnose the disorder. The doctor will want to be aware of the time when symptoms began and what makes them more or less severe. Depending on the person's age an expert in mental health will also inquire about recent events that might have caused stress and any history of trauma.The doctor will also attempt to determine whether the fear is a result of another medical condition that can cause similar symptoms, for example an illness, like cancer or a neurological issue like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Other causes include childhood family adversities such as parental mental illnesses, domestic violence, substance abuse and child neglect and abuse.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. Separation anxiety disorder is more prevalent in adults who have experienced an emotional trauma or a major loss. Some studies indicate that people who suffer from separation disorders in childhood may be more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders later in life.Separation anxiety disorder can be treated in many ways. People suffering from separation anxiety disorder can overcome their fear through therapy, such a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or medications like selective serotonin antagonists and antidepressants. People suffering from this disorder typically benefit from parental education and techniques to improve their relationship with their children.TreatmentAlthough many children go through a phase that makes them clingy and fearful of strangers If this fear persists throughout elementary school and beyond, is associated with physical symptoms, and interferes with daily functioning, it may be a sign of separation anxiety disorder. According to the BetterHelp online therapy service the disorder of separation anxiety is the most common anxiety disorder seen in children with up to 4% of them, with an onset age of about 7 years.The doctor who treats your child will conduct a thorough examination to rule out physical issues that could be causing anxiety. If no physical issues are found then 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 for treating separation anxiety disorder. The therapy therapist will assist your child to learn how to manage their feelings to increase self-confidence, confidence, independence, and build resilience. The therapist will also instruct parents on how to assist their child and assist them with their anxiety. Treatment, such as antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is often prescribed along with psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder.Based on your child's individual requirements, their counselor will determine what treatment options are appropriate for the child. For instance, children suffering from severe anxiety might benefit from a combination of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. This means exposing your child to situations that trigger their anxiety gradually over time, in small steps, until they feel comfortable with them.As children get older their symptoms typically decrease. Some adults may still suffer from symptoms of separation disorder throughout their adult lives. This could make it difficult for them to keep relationships or to pursue certain career goals, like returning to school or moving for work. Adults with separation anxiety disorder have a high rate of co-occurring conditions, such as other types of anxiety disorders, depression and phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a range of addiction disorders.PreventionFor many kids, separation anxiety is an expected part of developing. For others, separation anxiety can be a major issue that can affect their lives and prevents participation in activities they enjoy. Consult a mental health professional if your child's fear is affecting their daily life.Children with separation anxiety disorder suffer extreme anxiety when they are separated from their parents or other major family members. They are always worried about being abducted, lost, or having an accident that will cause the loss of people who are close to them. They might also have a hard time sleeping at night on their own or refusing to go to camps, school, or play dates without their parents.Doctors are not able to diagnose separation anxiety until the symptoms of a child are present for at least four weeks. The healthcare provider may interview both the child as well as the parents individually to get the full picture. They may ask questions about other anxiety disorders or changes in the life such as family history and life events that could have triggered the separation anxiety.Treatment for separation anxiety is determined depending on the child's age and the severity of the symptoms. Children express anxiety by worrying about their attachment figures. For example they might be worried that their parents are involved in a car accident or be attacked by a burglar. Separation anxiety in older children is usually dismissed by them.Children with separation anxiety are often treated with behavioral therapy. It typically involves teaching children relaxation techniques and helping them learn to recognize and control their anxieties. In some instances, a mixture of therapies, such as cognitive therapy, is utilized.Adults should be consistent with their responses to children who are experiencing separation anxiety. Children need to understand that their pleas to parents not to leave them are not valid. They will only be able to improve by receiving clear, firm boundaries, and assistance in conquering their fears.