Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety in infants and young toddlers is a natural part of development that stems from the child's increasing ability to distinguish parents and other loves ones from unfamiliar strangers. Feelings of anxiety may be expressed through crying and pouting when the child must be separated from a parent or caregiver.
In children between the age of eight months and two years, these symptoms are normal. Parents can help alleviate symptoms of separation anxiety in young children by making them aware of upcoming periods of separation in advance and introducing temporary caregivers while the parent is present and providing comfort.
Normal separation anxiety becomes a disorder when it persists beyond the toddler years and begins to interfere with the child's healthy development. A doctor may diagnosis separation anxiety disorder in a child older than five who displays strong symptoms of separation anxiety for longer than four weeks. If left untreated, the disorder could lead to the development of panic attacks and panic disorder.

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder

Children and adolescents with separation anxiety disorder may display the following behavioral and emotional symptoms:
  • Desire to return to the parent or caregiver during times of separation
  • Intense feelings of fear for their personal safety or the safety of a parent during separation and anticipation of a separation
  • Repeated nightmares involving abandonment
  • Strong reluctance to go to school (called school refusal)
  • Unwillingness to go to bed and difficulty falling asleep.
During periods of separation or anticipation of separation, physical symptoms of anxiety may be present, including heart palpitations, nausea, feeling lightheaded and dizziness. These physical symptoms are typical of many anxiety disorders.

Treatment for Separation Anxiety Disorder

The most effective treatment for separation anxiety in children and adolescents is cognitive behavioral psychotherapy. This treatment involves a therapist teaching the child how to recognize when she is feeling anxious so that she can change her thought patterns that elevate the anxiety. Patients are also taught how to cope with the physical symptoms of fear.
Including the parents in the therapy can be greatly beneficial. Parents can learn the best way to handle their child's separation anxiety and how to prepare the child for times of separation. In family therapy sessions, the therapist may incorporate exercises that separate the child from the parents in a controlled and safe environment. This way, the child can practice identifying and coping with anxiety. For very young children, family therapy may include the use of toys, puppets and art activities to help the child express his fears and teach him to cope.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gastrointestinal Defects

Birth defects, also known as "congenital abnormalities," are structural defects in some part or system of the body that can affect the body's function. These congenital defects occur during fetal development, and are present in a baby from birth. Like other complex body systems, the gastrointestinal system (or digestive system), responsible for digestion and extracting nutrients from food, is vulnerable to congenital defects during its development. Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract Function The gastrointestinal system is made up of several organs, including the: Mouth Esophagus Stomach Small intestine: Duodenum, jejunum and ileum Large intestine: Cecum, colon, rectum and anus. In healthy people, food enters the mouth, and is chewed and swallowed, passing through the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach breaks down the food, then passes it into the intestines, where it is digested further, and particles from the food can be absorbed. Waste is stored in the r
Keep reading

Hypersomnia: An Overview

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by sleeping too much, experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or a combination of the two. Hypersomnia is not the same as feeling tired due to poor quality sleep or not getting enough sleep. Often, people with hypersomnia fall asleep suddenly throughout the day, a symptom the condition shares with narcolepsy. Symptoms of Hypersomnia Symptoms of hypersomnia often develop in adolescence or early adulthood. People with hypersomnia may sleep for up to 12 hours at a time, but still wake up feeling tired. Individuals may struggle to wake up after deep sleep and seem disoriented and confused. Hypersomnia often develops gradually, making it difficult for people to realize they are sleeping too much. Signs associated with hypersomnia include: Anxiety Headaches Irritation Loss of appetite Low energy levels Memory problems "Nap attacks" during the day Restlessness Sleeping too much Slow speech Slow thought proce
Keep reading

Irritable Bowel Disease Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a very common disorder that affects the functioning of the bowel. Although the severity of the condition (also occasionally called  spastic colon ) can vary considerably from one patient to another, typical characteristics include changes in bowel habits ranging from diarrhea to constipation, cramp-like pains, bloating and a feeling of "gassiness." For some sufferers, IBS is little more than a minor inconvenience; for others it can be totally disabling. In extreme cases, the patient is unable to travel, function in the workplace or enjoy socializing. Common Misconceptions Irritable bowel syndrome is not . . . an imaginary disease.  IBS has biological causes and biological symptoms and is certainly not a condition that is "all in your mind. " caused by other diseases  such as gallstones or ulcers. an infection , although it can sometimes be triggered by a bout of gastroenteritis or similar digestive system disorders. hereditary . a precursor to c
Keep reading