SEPARATION ANXIETY DISORDER is one of the toughest challenges that parents face while raising their children. Infants and toddlers get all clingy and whiny when they have to part ways with their parents or caregivers. However, separation anxiety is a prevailing phase of development for kids and is absolutely normal.
It generally begins when a child is 6-7 months old, then springs up in the toddler and preschool years. Most children outgrow separation anxiety by about 3-4 years of age.
What is Separation Anxiety Disorder?
When separation anxiety seems excessive for the developmental age and interferes in daily functioning then the child may have a severe condition known as Separation Anxiety Disorder.
Separation anxiety disorder is a mental health condition in which a child (above the age of 4) becomes anxious, fearful, and nervous when he/she is away from home or separated from a parent/ caregiver with whom the child is attached. Mere thoughts of separation can cause immense distress to the child, hindering his/her day-to-day life, like going to school or playing with other children.
What are the Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder?
A child is diagnosed with a separation anxiety disorder when the symptoms are prolonged, recurring, and excessive. The symptoms are as mentioned below
- Fear of being alone
- The fright of getting lost
- Anticipating something bad will happen
- Scared of being away from home, parents, or loved ones
- Distress about losing a parent or loved one
- Worrying about the parents’ safety
- Unusual and excessive safety concerns
- Crying and throwing tantrums to avoid separation
- Refusal to go to school or to play
- Refusal to sleep alone
- Nightmares about isolation and separation
- Bedwetting
- Panic attacks
- Health complaints such as stomach aches, headaches, etc.
What are the Causes of Separation Anxiety Disorder?
Separation anxiety disorder mostly begins in childhood but may persist into the teenage years and at times into adulthood. The causes of separation anxiety disorder are as mentioned below–
- Loss & life stresses- like illness or death of a beloved one, loss of a beloved pet, fights between parents, the divorce of parents, moving to another house, locality or school.
- Genes and Heredity- showcasing the family medical history of anxiety problems or anxiety disorder.
- Environmental factors- like disasters and natural calamities resulting in separation and death of loved ones.
Above mentioned causes can spark vulnerability to the disorder to be inherited.
What is the Treatment for Separation Anxiety Disorder?
To overcome separation anxiety disorder, it is important to seek professional advice and treatment. The treatment involves the child undergoing a psychological evaluation to understand the underlying problems, thoughts, and feelings.
The main focus of the treatment is to reduce anxiety in the child and develop a sense of security by educating the child.
The treatment for separation anxiety disorder is as mentioned below-
- Psychotherapy
Separation anxiety disorder is mostly treated with psychotherapy which is psychological counseling. It helps the child learn, understand, and manage fears of separation.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
It is a type of psychotherapy that helps to modify the child’s thinking process. It facilitates the child to behave in an effective and appropriate way pushing away negative thoughts and fears.
- Family therapy
It helps in educating the family about the disorder and cooperating with the child during anxiety meltdowns.
- Medication
In severe cases of separation anxiety disorder, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be used along with the therapy.
Children suffering from separation anxiety disorder may take time to get cured. However, along with effective treatment, family involvement and support can help to improve the likelihood of recovery.
Some handy tips for Parents/ Caregivers
- Be patient with your child in all circumstances and avoid giving any physical punishments.
- Avoid being harsh with your child.
- Remember that your child is not acting up or faking the anxiety.
- Try to understand the underlying cause of his/her actions and anxiety.
- Do not give in to your child’s unreasonable desires and tantrums.
- Develop an agreeable ritual for departure and separation.
- Do not lie or trick your children when leaving.
- Avoid getting frustrated or emotional in front of your child.
- Keep in mind that you can’t control your child’s emotions or behavior instantly and directly.
- Communicate, console, and give reassurance to your child when they have meltdowns during separation or departure.
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References
Stanford Children’s Health (n.d.).Separation anxiety disorder in children. Retrieved May 16, 2020, from https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=separation-anxiety-disorder-90-P02582
Boston Children’s Hospital (n.d.).Separation anxiety disorder symptoms and causes. Retrieved May 16, 2020, from http://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/s/separation-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-and-causes
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