Understanding Separation Anxiety Disorder
What causes separation anxiety disorder?
There are several potential causes of separation anxiety, including:
Genetics
Childhood Experiences
Trauma, abuse, neglect, and overprotective parenting can
contribute to separation fears. Negative experiences after separation build the association between separation and harm.
Chemical Imbalances
Disruptions in brain chemicals like cortisol, dopamine, and
Physical Health
Common signs and symptoms
Separation anxiety disorder symptoms usually begin in childhood and can include:
Refusing to go to school or sleepovers due to separation fears
Nightmares about separation
Physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches before separations
Extreme homesickness when away from home
Fear of being lost or kidnapped
Clinging, following, and shadowing attachment figures
Frequent phone calls and texts when separated
Tantrums, anger, or defiance around separations
Types of separation fears
Some common situations that spark anxiety:
Leaving parents to go to school or camp
Being alone at home
Parents travelling for work
Sleeping away from home
Routine trips to the store or doctor
Treatments for separation anxiety
Recommended treatments include:
Exposure therapy to practice separations from attachment figures
Parent education on responding to child separation anxiety
Cognitive-behavioral therapy to change thought patterns
Anti-anxiety medications in severe cases
Relaxation techniques like deep breathing
Social skills training for time away from parents
Family therapy to address dysfunctional dynamics
With professional support, those suffering from separation anxiety can learn to tolerate time apart and gain independence. The key is gradually confronting fears in a controlled way to build coping skills.