Separation Anxiety In Children

Separation anxiety disorder is usually something that small children experience when their parents leave them, even for a short time. In most cases, children grow out of this condition as they get older and begin to understand that their parents are coming back, however, once in a while even adults can suffer from this potentially debilitating condition. In children, separation anxiety is most often seen as a frustrating developmental stage that parents and caretakers are forced to help the child deal with, but for adults who realize that their fears are not rational, this condition is not just annoying, it’s downright painful for many who are forced to live with this disorder.

There are some things that you can do, once you understand the disorder, to help you or your children that suffer with separation anxiety which might help you to ease the fear and worry that can cause this disorder. The first step in understanding this condition is to know that often, when a person anticipates the parent or person in their life might be leaving, people who suffer with this disorder might begin to feel as if they have a headache or stomach ache. These feelings are real, but are caused by the fear of their primary attachment leaving, so if you can ease the anxiety over the separation by assuring the person suffering that you will return in no time, you might be able to ease some of these symptoms of this condition.

While you should know that separation anxiety is usually a developmental stage in most children, there are some cases where the anxiety could become debilitating and it has been found that other symptoms of this condition include feeling strong general anxiety, worrying about other’s safety and wellbeing, fear of falling asleep unless the patient is near the main person to which they are attached and frequent homesickness. Also, when an adult experiences these symptoms, it could be very disruptive, so seeking treatment is highly recommended.

Many pediatricians recommend just assuring the child that you will return. With time they will begin to understand that it’s normal for mommies and daddies to leave and come back, and it’s nothing to be afraid of. In extreme cases, therapy or a doctor’s visit may be necessary, however. Also, in adults, therapy to treat this condition is highly recommended, since separation anxiety can be so debilitating to adults.

If you feel that you are the one suffering from this condition, it’s advisable that you talk to your health care professional to see if you can determine a course of treatment for your separation anxiety that will best suit your needs.

Separation Anxiety Disorder In Children – Symptoms and Treatments

It is not uncommon for a child to feel separation anxiety when they are not with their parents. As a small child, being left with another person can create anxiety. Once the child has come to the realization that the parent will return the separation anxiety becomes less and less.

Sometimes, for a variety of different reasons, a child develops a separation anxiety disorder. When the parent leaves the child with another caregiver the child becomes very anxious and is inconsolable. The child remains fearful and distraught until the parent or another trusted person comes to their rescue.

Separation anxiety disorders are a real problem for some children and if they are not addressed at a young age can become life long issues which will prevent normal functioning. Anxiety in children should not be dismissed.

Separation Anxiety Disorders in Children Symptoms

Along with the anxiety and fearfulness that is displayed with the separation there are several other symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorders. Children who have this disorder also often have frequent nightmares involving separation, sadness and depression. This type of disorder is usually more common in girls than in boys and can lead to extreme fears of death or dying of the family members or the youth themselves.

Treatments For Children With Separation Anxiety Disorders

First and foremost the safest is always natural, so you may like to try a natural treatment for anxiety in children. There are several effective ways to treat children with Separation Anxiety Disorder. One hope is that the child will outgrow the disorder with age and other interests. While this may occur there is a risk in allowing the disorder to go untreated based on hope. If the child does not outgrow the disorder precious time will have been wasted and the disorder may have become more of a problem.

One of the easiest ways to treat Separation Anxiety Disorders is for the child to start counseling and therapy. It may take only a small amount of counseling from a psychologist or psychiatrist to help the child deal with the separation anxiety and be able to function normally.

Sometimes with severe Separation Anxiety Disorders the physician will prescribe an medication. There is some controversy about the use of psychological prescription medications for children but for a very severe disorder this may be the best treatment. Many times the child will only need the medications for a short period of time until the disorder can be brought under control. It is important for the parents to discuss all the options with the physician and get as much information about treatments before making a decision regarding the best course of treatment. One thing for the child and the parent to know is that there is a high rate of remission with Separation Anxiety Disorder as the child ages and becomes more confident and in control.

Anxiety Therapy

If you are concerned about the thought of medication for your child then finding therapy for your child is important. There is help available so do not think medication is your only choice. Natural anxiety treatments have proven to be extremely effective.