13 Months: Separation Anxiety
What Is Separation Anxiety Disorder?
Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is a condition in which a child becomes fearful and nervous when away from home or separated from a loved one -- usually a parent or other caregiver -- to whom the child is attached. Some children also develop physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches, at the thought of being separated. The fear of separation causes great distress to the child and may interfere with their normal activities, like going to school or playing with other children.
Separation anxiety is normal in very young children (those between 8 and 14 months old). Kids often go through a phase when they’re "clingy" and afraid of unfamiliar people and places. When this fear affects a child over age 6 years, is heavy, or lasts longer than 4 weeks, the child may have 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.
Separation Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Following are some of the most common symptoms of separation anxiety disorder:
Separation Anxiety Disorder Causes and Risk Factors
Possible causes and risk factors for SAD include:
Separation Anxiety Disorder Diagnosis
The doctor will check your child for signs and symptoms of separation anxiety disorder. If they’re present, the doctor will ask about your child’s medical history and give them a physical 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 symptoms.
If they don’t find signs of a physical illness, the doctor may refer your child to a child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist, mental health professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illness in children and teens. Psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate a child for a mental illness. The doctor bases a diagnosis on reports of the child's symptoms and their observation of the child's attitude and behavior.
Separation Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Most mild cases of separation anxiety disorder don’t need medical treatment. 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. Treatments that may be used include:
Separation Anxiety Disorder Prevention
There’s no known way to prevent separation anxiety disorder, but recognizing and acting on symptoms when they appear can ease distress and prevent problems linked to not going to school. In addition, reinforcing a child's independence and self-esteem through support and approval may help prevent future episodes of anxiety.
Separation Anxiety Disorder Outlook
Most children with separation anxiety disorder get better, although their symptoms may come back for many years, particularly during stressful times. Treatment that starts early and involves the entire family is most likely to be successful.
Posted : 2023-12-07 16:07
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