Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) causes heightened worry in children when separated from family members or the people they are closest to.
Fears of losing family or something bad happening when they are apart contribute to the worry. Although separation anxiety is normal, especially for young children under the age of 3, severe anxiety that doesn’t subside once the child gets used to their new surroundings indicates a possible anxiety disorder.
Children with SAD usually develop their symptoms by the third or fourth grade. Their symptoms are often triggered when they return to school after the summer or holiday breaks or are away from school due to illness.
Here we break down separation anxiety to help you recognize the symptoms and understand the treatments available.
What are the Symptoms of Separation Anxiety?
The most common symptoms of SAD include:
- Unable to sleep alone or refusal to sleep away from home
- Nightmares based on separation
- Increased worry when away from home or family members
- Obsession or heightened worry about family member safety or getting lost
- Refusal to go to school
- Fear or reluctance about being alone
- Physical symptoms or complaints such as tummy ache, headache, diarrhea, etc.
- Muscle aches or tension
- Worry about self-safety
- Clinging to you even when home
- Panic/anxiety attacks or tantrums when faced with separation from home
The symptoms last at least four weeks and often seem related to other health problems.
What Causes Separation Anxiety Disorder?
It is believed there are biological and environmental factors that can cause SAD, including:
- Inheriting the tendency to be anxious from parents
- Learned behaviors related to anxiety or fear from family members
- Traumatic events such as an accident when family members were away or a loved one’s death
SAD is more common in children of parents who have an anxiety disorder.
How is Separation Anxiety Disorder Diagnosed?
Once your doctor rules out illness if your child has physical symptoms, they will refer you to a mental health expert. Evaluation using methods such as neuropsychological testing is commonly used to diagnose SAD and general anxiety disorders in children.
What Treatments are Used for Separation Anxiety Disorder?
Treatment is individualized based on the severity of the condition as well as your child’s age. It is not uncommon to combine treatments to see the best results, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Neurofeedback for Anxiety
Treatment helps set your child on the path to normal social development. You should also share the diagnosis with school staff to involve them in treatment and help accommodate your child’s condition.
Can Separation Anxiety Disorder Be Prevented?
Although SAD can’t be prevented, it is important to be aware of your child’s anxiety so you can seek treatment as soon as possible.
In addition, if you suffer from anxiety, trying to avoid demonstrating your fear in front of your child can help reduce the risk of them learning similar behavior. You can also use these tips to help your child:
- Follow the prescribed treatment and avoid missing appointments
- Be supportive and reassuring while also encouraging age-appropriate independence
- Plan ahead for situations you know tend to cause anxiety in your child
- Share details about your child’s diagnosis with their school so they can actively participate in their treatment and provide reassurance
- Make sure you understand the treatment and expected results
- Contact your child’s provider if symptoms worsen, you experience setbacks, or new symptoms appear to ensure treatment remains suitable
The sooner an evaluation and diagnosis is made, the better chance there is for your child to lessen their symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.
The Chicago Mind Solutions Difference
Chicago Mind Solutions works with individuals, offering neuropsychological testing and non-invasive treatment for many mental health conditions. For more information about our treatments and teletherapy options, please contact us at (224) 723-5050 or email info@chicagomindsolutions.com.
