Children often times feel a certain amount of separation anxiety when there parents leave them with another caregiver for a short length of time. It is actually a normal phase in development for a child to learn that the parent will return and to learn to deal with other people and places. Many times after a child has been left a few times they have learned that mom or dad will be back to get them and that life will continue to be okay.
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.
Symptoms Of Separation Anxiety Disorders
Along with the anxiety and fearfulness that is displayed with the separation there are several other symptoms of a Separation Anxiety Disorders. Children who have this disorder also often have frequent nightmares involving separation, sadness, depression, with drawl, and apathy. 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
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 much 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 anti-anxiety 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.
