https://glamorouslengths.com/author/stickgemini40/
last logged in on May 6, 2024 5:12 am
Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety DisorderChildren and adolescents suffering from separation anxiety disorder worry excessively about being away from their caregivers, parents or other important people in their lives. They may also worry that separation could have negative consequences, for example, being lost or hurt.Psychotherapy and medications can be used to treat children with separation anxiety disorder. The child is taught to handle the fearful situations slowly, and with confidence.Signs and symptomsWhile some anxiety over being separated from loved ones is normal, separation anxiety disorder makes people much more intensely anxious than other people when it comes to separating from family members and primary caregiver figures. People suffering from this condition are worried that something terrible could happen to their family member if they are separated, for example, losing their way or falling ill. They may also fear other scenarios that could separate them from their loved ones, such as being abducted or being involved in an accident.This anxiety disorder can affect adults at any age. It's not known what causes adult separation anxiety however it could be triggered by significant life changes or prior mental health issues like depression or PTSD. The sufferers of this disorder might feel a lot dependent on their children or their romantic partners, and lack boundaries. Others can view them as overly demanding and clingy.The symptoms of this condition include a high level of distress when a person is separated from their family, severe anxiety when they are away from home or work and frequent nightmares about separation. These symptoms can lead people to avoid traveling or other activities that require physical separation from their families, such as going to school. Children who suffer from this condition may have difficulty sleeping or experience a variety of physical issues including stomach pains or headaches, when they worry about being left alone.To diagnose this disorder a healthcare provider will ask about your your child's past and present symptoms. They will also inquire about your family and other relationships to find out how you have faced separation anxiety in the past.Treatment for this disorder includes therapy for talk and, in some cases, medication. Your therapist will show you and your children how to deal with the fears. They can also assist you deal with situations that scare you in a step-by-step process that helps your child learn how to cope with separations and build up their confidence. The use of medication can help calm the brain and relax the body which can ease your child's anxiety.DiagnosisSeparation anxiety disorder causes people to experience extreme distress if they are away from their home or close family members. Contrary to the normal fears and anxieties that people generally experience these symptoms disorder can be persistent, typically lasting for more than four weeks in children, and up to up to six months in adults, and they create major disruptions to daily activities and performance at work and school. It can also affect the person's social life and ability to establish romantic relationships.To diagnose this disorder, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and observe his or her behavior. The healthcare provider will ask when symptoms began and what causes the symptoms to become worse or better. Based on the age of the patient an expert in mental health might also inquire about any recent events that could have caused stress and any past trauma.The doctor will also attempt to determine whether the fear is a result of another medical condition that may cause similar symptoms, such as an illness, such as cancer or a neurological disorder such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other causes include family traumas like mental illness in the family or substance abuse, domestic violence and child abuse and neglect.It is difficult to diagnose separation anxiety disorder in adults, since there are no tests for it and the symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other anxiety disorders. Separation anxiety disorder is more frequent among adults who have suffered trauma or a significant loss. Some studies suggest that people diagnosed with separation disorder in their early years may be more likely to develop anxiety and depression disorders later in life.There are a variety of treatment options available to those suffering from separation anxiety disorder. People suffering from separation anxiety disorder can overcome their phobia through therapy, including cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) or medication like selective serotonin receptor antagonists and antidepressants. Parents with this disorder can benefit from strategies and education to improve their relationship with their child.TreatmentSeparation anxiety disorder is diagnosed when a child's fear of strangers and clinginess is persistent throughout elementary school, is associated with physical symptoms, and affects everyday functioning. According to BetterHelp, an online therapy service for children that treat separation anxiety disorder, it affects up to 4%, with an average age of 7 years old.Your child's healthcare professional will conduct a thorough exam to rule out any physical problems that could be causing anxiety. If no physical issues are identified the doctor who treats your child will refer them to a mental health professional who has expertise in anxiety disorders. For children, this will most likely be a child psychologist or psychiatrist.Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) is often the first treatment for separation anxiety disorder. The therapist will work with your child to help them learn healthy ways to manage their emotions, building self-confidence and independence, and building their resilience. The therapist will instruct parents on ways to aid their child suffering from anxiety. Separation anxiety disorder is often treated with medication, such as antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).The therapist will decide which treatment option is best for your child based on their individual needs. For instance, children who suffer from severe anxiety may benefit from a combination of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. anxiety anxiety disorders involves gradually expose your child to situations that cause anxiety in small steps until they are comfortable.As children age their symptoms typically decrease. There are some adults who suffer from symptoms of separation disorder in their adult life. It can be challenging to maintain relationships or to pursue certain career goals, such as returning to school or moving to work. Adults who suffer from separation disorder are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders like depression, phobias, and post-traumatic disorder.PreventionFor many children who are anxious about separation, it is an expected part of developing. For some, separation anxiety is a serious problem that affects their lives and hinders their participation in activities they love. Talk to a mental health specialist if your child's fear is affecting their daily routine.Children with separation anxiety disorder suffer extreme stress when they are separated from their parents or other major attachment figures. They are constantly worried about being snatched away or lost, or that an accident could cause them to lose those closest to them. They might be having a difficult time falling asleep alone at night or refusing to go to school, camp or play dates with their parents.Doctors are not able to diagnose separation anxiety until the signs of a child last at least four weeks. Often, the healthcare provider will interview the child and their parents separately to obtain an accurate picture of the situation. They may ask questions about other anxiety disorders or life changes such as family history or life events that may trigger the separation anxiety.Treatment for anxiety disorder separation 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 be worried that their parents might be in a car crash or attacked by burglars. By contrast, older children with separation anxiety usually deny that they have any anxiety about leaving home.Children with separation anxiety are often treated using behavioral therapy. It typically involves teaching children relaxation techniques and teaching them to recognize and manage their fears. In some cases it is necessary to combine therapies is used, including medication and cognitive therapy.Adults should be consistent with their responses to children experiencing separation anxiety. Children must be taught that their pleas for parents to not leave are not valid, and they'll only improve if they're given clear, precise boundaries and a helping hand as they try to overcome their fears.