Separation Anxiety In Children

Separation Anxiety Disorder may affect both children and adults. However, it is more commonly diagnosed in children. It is considered a developmentally fear of becoming separated from a primary attachment figure which is most likely thr parnets. The term "attachment figure" simply refers to a person to whom we have a very strong emotional attachment. Diagnosis requires a developmental and cultural context in order to differentiate what is normal and age-appropriate versus what is disordered. For instance, it is developmentally normal for one year olds to express a high degree of distress when separated from caregivers. It is normal for children who are just beginning daycare, preschool, or kindergarten to experience significant distress when …show more content…
Children whose parents are over-protective may be more prone to separation anxiety. In fact, it may not necessarily be a disease of the child but a manifestation of parental separation anxiety as well -- parent and child can feed the other's anxiety. In addition, the fact that children with separation anxiety often have family members with anxiety or other mental disorders suggests that a vulnerability to the disorder may be inherited. How Common Is Separation Anxiety Disorder?
Separation anxiety affects approximately 4%-5% of children in the U. S. ages 7 to 11 years. It is less common in teenagers, affecting about 1.3% of American teens. It affects boys and girls equally.
How Is Separation Anxiety Disorder Diagnosed?
As with adults, mental illness in children is diagnosed based on signs and symptoms. If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history andphysical exam. Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose separation anxiety disorder, the doctor may use various tests -- such as blood tests and other laboratory measures -- to rule out physical illness or medication side effects as the cause of the …show more content…
In more severe cases, or when the child refuses to go to school, treatment may be needed. The goals of treatment include reducing anxiety in the child, developing a sense of security in the child and the caregivers, and educating the child and family/caregivers about the need for natural separations. Treatment options that may be used include:
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy (''talking'' therapy) is the main treatment approach for separation anxiety disorder. The focus of therapy is to help the child tolerate being separated from the caregiver without the separation causing distress or interfering with function. A type of therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy works to reshape the child's thinking (cognition) so that the child's behavior becomes more appropriate. Family therapy also may help teach the family about the disorder and help family members better support the child during periods of anxiety.
Medication: Antidepressant or other anti-anxiety medications may be used to treat severe cases of separation anxiety disorder. What Is the Outlook for Children With Separation Anxiety

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