Separation anxiety is a phase of every toddler’s or infant’s life that lasts about 3-4 years of age, after which infants outgrow separation anxiety.
It is commonly seen in infants and toddlers, though it can become a serious condition in some which are termed a separation anxiety disorder.
If the separation anxiety is prolonged and is creating a hindrance in doing everyday tasks like schooling and playing outside resulting in panic attacks or restlessness then it can be a sign of separation anxiety disorder. Commonly, separation anxiety is related to children staying away from their parents. It can occur in the case of other close relatives like caregivers. It can occur in teenagers but the chances are less.
Symptoms
Recurrent and excessive feeling of pain when separated from loved ones, especially parents.
Disturbing thoughts about losing a loved one to an illness or unavoidable circumstances.
Being pessimistic about relationships with loved ones.
Not being able to stay alone.
Not being able to sleep without their loved ones.
Experiencing sleepless nights with nightmares of separation.
Getting sick when separated from parents.
Causes
Separation anxiety disorder can be triggered by genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
Genetic Factors
The majority of people with separation anxiety disorder have a history of other mental disorders, either in themselves or in their families. As a result, experts believe separation anxiety disorder is an inherited genetic illness.
Biological Factors
Neurotransmitter abnormalities have a role in separation anxiety disorder. The regulating system that regulates the appropriate amount of such brain chemicals is disturbed in people with separation anxiety disorder. The levels of serotonin and norepinephrine are thought to be severely affected in such people.
Environmental Factors
Along with genetic and biological disorders, environmental factors are very prominent and seen. Environment plays an important role in a person’s psyche. People often get affected when shifted to a new city.
Treatment
Psychological Therapy like talk therapy can help reduce symptoms of separation anxiety disorder.
Cognitive behavior therapy can help reduce stress in children and effectively guide parents to give emotional support.
Medications like antidepressants can be taken in case of severe symptoms.
There are ways to ease separation anxiety in childhood itself that reduces the chances of developing the disorder in later stages of life.
Separation should be made normal for a child that can be achieved by leaving the child with their caregivers or with someone else for smaller periods of time.
Initially, the separations should be scheduled after a nap or when the child is well fed as separation anxiety is prone to develop when the child is tired and hungry.
Parents should not make separations a big deal for the child and give assurance that they would be back soon.
Parents should develop a sense of trust with the child and always follow through your promises.
Efforts should be made to make the surroundings familiar for the child, which can be done by carrying something from home. For eg. a soft toy.
Conclusion
There is no specific way of preventing this disorder. Seeking professional help as soon as possible can help. Even the smallest symptoms in the child shouldn’t be left unnoticed. Early diagnosis helps reduce the symptoms and prevent them from getting serious. To prevent relapses, it is very important to follow a treatment plan and stick to it. Seeking a professional is beneficial for both the child and parent.
Reference
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