In this article, we will discuss Separation Anxiety Disorder for children.
Other anxiety disorders in children include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
In the case of separation anxiety disorder children suffer from severe anxiety or fear of separation from home or loved ones. This disorder is more common in babies and toddlers. It is believed that around 5% of children suffer from anxiety disorder children.
To understand separation anxiety disorder, it’s important to understand the feelings that infants and young children have, when surrounded by strangers and separated from their parents and guardians. Babies start to worry when they are approached by someone who they don’t know. This is a normal stage of development that educates the child to distinguish between parents and other family members from people they don’t know.
Separation anxiety disorder first develops when the child begins to bond to their parent and wants to always be near them. The child may become very apprehensive when their parent is out of sight. Later, the child learns to understand that their parents do not permanently disappear when they disappear from sight. In the case of separation anxiety disorder children may be unwilling to go to school or sleep alone.
Symptoms of separation anxiety disorder children include
:
- Excessive anxiety that something bad will happen to their loved ones, or fear of losing them.
- Increased concern about being lost or kidnapped.
- Refusal to go to school or spend time without their loved ones.
- Persistent reluctance or refusal to go to sleep at night without their parents.
- Repeated nightmares about separation from their loved ones.
Physical symptoms of separation anxiety disorder children include
:
- Dizziness, nausea and heart palpitations.
- Headaches.
- Restlessness, fatigue, insomnia.
- Poor concentration.
- Trembling, muscle tension, sweating.
- Abdominal pain and diarrhea.
The child or adolescent, who is nervous too much, is likely to suffer from any one of the anxiety disorders – a group of common mental conditions with strong anxiety and fear. Together with the separation anxiety disorder children may also suffer from other conditions such as depression or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It’s very important to see a specialist for the correct diagnosis.
What Causes Anxiety Disorders
?
In general, these disorders are the result of a combination of genetic factors, the aspects of upbringing and environmental influences. Anxiety disorders are sometimes transferred genetically. The children of anxious parents are generally also anxious. There are a number of factors that contribute to how quickly a child will leave their separation anxiety behind. These include separation coping skills and how the adult relates to these problems.
How Are Anxiety Disorder Children Treated
?
The treatment of anxiety disorders may include psychotherapy, medication or both. The most effective type of therapy is behavioral therapy that focuses on changing the behavior, and cognitive therapy that teaches children to understand and change their thinking.
How Can I Get Help
?
First, consult your pediatrician. Ask them to see the child and explain to them the issues the child is having. Your child may need to see a specialist as well, such as an adolescent psychiatrist, psychologist or family therapist. You can also contact the school – children spend most of their day in school so teachers and school counselors can help you also.
