Separation Anxiety Disorder

People with a separation anxiety disorder ( SAD) experience excessive anxiety when separated from the individual whom they have the strongest emotional bond with like people or home. It is most common in infants and children. It is a natural developmental process. It occurs with babies between 8 to 12 months and usually goes off by 2 years. It can also occur in adults.

Almost 4% of children have SAD. Around 1/3rd of children diagnosed with SAD will be diagnosed with mental illness in their adulthood. It can have negative effects on areas of social and emotional functioning. The duration of this problem should last at least 4 weeks persistently in children before the age of 18 and in adults at least 6 months persistently to be diagnosed.

 

SYMPTOMS

1. Clinging to parents
2. Severe crying
3. Refusal to go to school
4. Nightmares
5. Refusing to sleep alone
6. Violent
7. Emotional temper tantrums

 

CAUSES 

There are several external triggers that worsen anxiety 

1. New situations that take children out of their comfort zone like new places, new caregiver, or a newborn baby into the family.
2. Stress on adults like financial stress or family problems can have a negative impact on the children.
3. A family history of mental illness or anxiety.
4. Sudden loss of a closed one.
5. Physical symptoms like headache and vomiting

 

DIAGNOSIS

 

To be diagnosed, one must display  these factors

1. Recurrent anxiety when separated from home or major attachments.
2. Persistent worry to lose a loved one.
3. Persistent refusal to go out
4. Repeated nightmares of being separated from a loved one.
5. Repeated complaints of headache, vomiting, stomach ache, etc when separated from a loved one.

 

RISK FACTORS

1. Moving to a new home
2. Divorce
3. Shy and timid personalities
4. Overprotective parents
5. Switching schools
6. Low socioeconomic status
7. Post-traumatic stress disorder
8. Panic disorder

TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN

THERAPY 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective therapy. Common techniques are deep breathing and relaxation.

Parent-child therapy is another way to treat SAD. It has three faces:

(a) Child-directed interaction ( CDI) – It focuses on improving parent-child relationship. It involves warmth, praise, and attention.

(b) Bravery-directed interaction ( BDI) – They educate parents on how to handle the situation when their child has anxiety.

(c) Parent-directed interaction ( PDI) – Helps parents communicate clearly with their children.

MEDICATION

There are no such particular medications. Antidepressants are used in older children if other forms of treatment are ineffective.

 

TREATMENT FOR ADULTS 

1. Cognitive-behavioral Therapy

2. Group Therapy

3. Family Therapy

4. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

5. Medications such as antidepressants, buspirone, or benzodiazepines.

 

EFFECTS OF SAD ON FAMILY

1. SAD affects both social and emotional development.

2. Family activities are limited by negative behaviour.

3. Parents with little or no time might cause frustration.

4. Jealousy will be seen in siblings due to extra attention given to the child with SAD.

 

HOW TO COPE UP WITH Separation Anxiety Disorder?

It is manageable through a joint effort between parents and children. The routine setting makes it easier.

The next time your child gets anxious before you leave :

1. Explain to them in simple and direct terms where you are going and when will you be back.

2. Give your child time to adjust before you leave.

3. Treat the separation as a normal occurrence.

4. Say goodbye once and don’t extend it no matter how much your child screams or cries.

5. Build on small access by leaving them alone for an hour and gradually increase it

6. Return on time as you promised.

 

HELPLINE:

1. https://www.vandrevalafoundation.com/

2. https://www.psychguides.com/guides/anxiety-hotline/

 

Other Important Articles

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• What is Depression
• ANXIETY DISORDERS
• Social Anxiety and Depression Among Children