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Children and Teens With Separation Anxiety Disorder Children and adolescents suffering from separation anxiety disorder are anxious about being apart from their parents, caregivers or other important people in their lives. They may also worry that separation could have negative consequences, like being hurt or lost. Children with separation anxiety disorders are treated through psychotherapy and medications. The child is taught to approach difficult situations slowly, with assurance. Signs and symptoms Although some anxiety about being away from loved ones is normal separation anxiety disorder can cause people more anxious than others when it comes to separating from family members and primary caregiver figures. People with this condition are afraid that something bad will happen to their family member while they are separated, like losing their way or falling ill. They may also be fearful of other situations that could cause separation from their loved one, for example, being kidnapped or getting into a an accident with a car. The first signs of this anxiety disorder typically begins in the early years of childhood, but adults can develop it at any age. Adult separation anxiety is not believed to be caused by a specific cause however it can be triggered by life changes, depression, or PTSD. People suffering from this disorder may feel overly dependent on children or their romantic partners, and lack boundaries. Others can view them as excessively demanding and clingy. The symptoms of this condition include a high level of distress when a person is separated from their family, significant anxiety when they are away from home or work and frequent nightmares of separation. These symptoms can cause people to avoid travel or other activities that entail a physical separation from their families, such as going to school. Children with this condition may have trouble sleeping or may experience a variety of physical problems, such as headaches or stomachaches, in the event of anxiety about being alone. A healthcare professional will inquire with you about your previous and current symptoms, or those of your child to determine the cause of separation anxiety. They will also ask you about your family and other relationships to see how you have dealt with separation anxiety in the past. Talk therapy and, in certain instances, medication are used to treat this disorder. Your therapist will show you and your children how to deal with the fear. They can help you and your child to learn how to deal with separations in a step by steps. The medication can relax the brain and body, as well as reduce your child's anxiety. Diagnosis A person suffering from separation anxiety will feel extreme distress when they are away from their home or close attachment figures. Contrary to the normal fears and anxieties that most people feel the symptoms of this disorder are persistent, often lasting for more than four weeks for children and up to six months in adults, and they create major disruptions to daily life and function at school and work. It can also impact a person's socialization and ability to develop romantic relationships. To diagnose this disorder, a mental health professional will talk to the patient and observe their behavior. The healthcare provider will want be aware of the time when symptoms began and what triggers them to be more or less severe. Depending on the person's age an expert in mental health will also inquire about any recent events that could have caused stress, as well as any history of trauma. The provider will also try to determine whether the fear is the result of a different medical condition that could cause similar symptoms, for example an illness, like cancer or a neurological issue like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Other causes include family problems like mental illness in the family and domestic violence, abuse of substances and child neglect and abuse. It can be difficult to diagnose separation anxiety disorder in adults, since there are no tests for it and the symptoms can be similar to those of other phobias. Separation anxiety disorder is more common in adults who have experienced an emotional trauma or a major loss. Certain studies suggest that those who were diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder in childhood are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression later in life. Separation anxiety disorder can be treated in a variety of ways. People suffering from separation anxiety disorder can overcome their fear through therapy, such a cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) or prescription medications such as selective serotonin receptor antagonists and antidepressants. People suffering from this disorder typically benefit from education for parents and methods to improve their relationship with their children. Treatment Separation anxiety disorder may be diagnosed when children's fear of strangers and clinginess continues throughout the elementary school years, and is manifested by physical symptoms, and affects everyday functioning. In fact, according to the BetterHelp online therapy service the disorder of separation anxiety is the most prevalent anxiety disorder seen in children with up to 4 percent of them, with an age at onset of 7 years old. Your child's healthcare provider will conduct a thorough exam to rule out any physical problems that could be causing anxiety. If panic anxiety disorder are identified, your child's healthcare provider will refer them to an expert in mental health 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 usually the first option for treating separation anxiety disorder. The Therapist will assist your child to teach them healthy ways to manage their feelings, increasing confidence and independence, as well as developing resilience. The therapist will instruct parents on how they can help their child with anxiety. The use of medication, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is often prescribed in addition to psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder. Depending on your child's specific needs, their therapist will determine which treatment options are most appropriate for them. Children who suffer from severe anxiety, for example could benefit from a combination cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure therapy. This involves gradually exposing your child to the situations that cause anxiety over time in small steps until they become comfortable. As children get older their symptoms tend to decrease. There are some adults who experience symptoms of separation disorder throughout their adult lives. It can be difficult for them maintain relationships or pursue certain career goals such as returning to college or going to work. Adults with separation disorder are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders like depression, phobias and post-traumatic disorder. Prevention Separation anxiety is common among many children. But for others, it can become an issue that causes problems with their lives and blocks them from participating in activities they enjoy. Consult a mental health professional if your child's fear is affecting their daily life. Children suffering from separation anxiety disorder suffer extreme anxiety when they are separated from their parents or other major attachment figures. They are constantly worried about being snatched away, missing or experiencing an accident that could lead to the loss of those closest to them. They may struggle to fall asleep at night or refusing to go to play dates, school or camp without their parents. Doctors will not diagnose separation anxiety until the symptoms of a child are present for at least four weeks. Most often, the healthcare professional will interview the child and parents separately to obtain a full picture of the situation. They may also ask questions about anxiety disorders or changes in the life, such as family history or life events that may cause separation anxiety. Treatment for anxiety disorder separation differs by the child's age and the severity of the symptoms. Younger children usually express their anxiety through specific concerns about harm to their loved ones like the fear that their parents might be hurt in a car accident or be attacked by burglars. However older children who suffer from separation anxiety usually deny that they have any anxiety about leaving their home. Behavioral therapy is a common treatment for children with separation anxiety. It involves teaching relaxation techniques to children and helping them identify and manage their anxiety. In some cases it is necessary to combine treatments is employed, including cognitive therapy and medication. Adults must be consistent in their responses to children experiencing separation anxiety. Children need to be taught that their requests for parents not to leave aren't valid, and they will only improve if given clear, precise boundaries and a helping hand as they try to overcome their fears.