Separation Anxiety Disorder Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Separation anxiety is a normal stage of child development. This generally occurs in infants and children.
Usually, it will start to disappear at around three years of age. But in some children, separation anxiety can be a marker of a more serious condition. This condition is referred to as separation anxiety disorder or separation anxiety disorder, which can occur from pre-school age.
If separation anxiety experienced by a child seems severe or prolonged, especially if it interferes with going to school or other daily activities, also involves panic attacks, then the child may be experiencing a separation anxiety disorder. Often, this relates to separation from father or mother, or other close caregivers.
Separation Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Separation anxiety disorder is diagnosed when the signs and symptoms seem excessive for a child of this developmental age and cause excessive distress to the child in carrying out daily functions. Some of the signs and symptoms that can occur include:
- Repetitive and excessive distress when a child is away from home or loved ones.
- Persistent and excessive worry about losing a parent to illness or disaster.
- Constant worry that something bad might happen separates him from his parents or loved ones.
- Refused to be away from home for fear of separation.
- Do not want to live alone at home without parents or loved ones.
- Refusing to sleep away from home without parents or loved ones.
- Having recurring nightmares about breakups.
- Often feel headaches, stomach aches, or other symptoms when dealing with conditions related to separation of parents or loved ones.
Separation Anxiety Disorder Reason
Sometimes, a separation anxiety disorder can be triggered by previously experienced stress which results in separation from loved ones. Genetic factors can also play a role in the occurrence of this condition.
Separation anxiety disorder often begins in childhood but can progress into adolescence and sometimes into adulthood.
Some of the risk factors that can occur are:
- Prior stress or loss that led to separation, such as illness or death of a loved one, loss of a loved pet, parental divorce, or changing schools.
- Have a certain temperament, which is more prone to anxiety disorders than others.
- Family history, including having siblings with anxiety-related problems or anxiety disorders. This means that there is potential for this anxiety trait to be inherited.
- Environmental issues, such as the experience of experiencing certain disasters involving separation.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder generally involves monitoring the child in question. It could be that he is going through a normal stage of development. Or it could be that through monitoring it can be seen that what is experienced is something that is classified as a disturbance.
To determine the diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder, professional mental health workers will carry out a psychological evaluation of the child. This includes conducting interviews that discuss the thoughts and feelings of the child, as well as observing the child’s behavior.
It should be noted that separation anxiety disorder can also occur together with other mental health disorders.
Separation Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Separation anxiety disorder is generally treated with psychotherapy, which can sometimes be accompanied by drug therapy. Psychotherapy involves discussing with a mental health professional to discuss the things that are experienced and ways to overcome them.
One of the effective forms of psychotherapy for separation anxiety disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy. This technique helps children learn to face and overcome the fears associated with separation and uncertainty. In addition, parents can also learn to provide effective emotional support.
Prevention
There is no sure way to prevent separation anxiety disorder. However, there are some things that are recommended, such as:
- Seek professional assistance as soon as possible. Especially if the anxiety experienced by a child is more severe than it should be at a normal stage of development. Early diagnosis and treatment can minimize symptoms and prevent the disorder from getting worse.
- Follow the treatment plan and pattern suggested by the expert to prevent the symptoms or condition from getting worse.
- Paying attention by prioritizing affection in the development of children. If therapy does not show positive results, immediately discuss it with the treating expert.
- Seek professional help if you have anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems. This is necessary so that you can learn coping mechanisms well and become a good example for children.