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Anxiety Cure (Home) > Anxiety Types & Related Disorders > Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation Anxiety Disorder: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
July 25, 2008

Separation anxiety is a normal emotion experienced by a child when he or she is separated from its primary caregiver or home. The child normally reacts by crying in such a situation. This usually happens to children on moving to a new home or even the birth of a sibling. Over time, if the child learns to accept the new environment he is put in, and understands that his caregiver will return soon, this anxiety should disappear. However, in some cases this anxiety doesn't fade and persists. In such a case, the child is known to be suffering from separation anxiety disorder.

Separation anxiety disorder therefore may be described as an excessive fear of being separated from the caregiver, family members or home. Separation anxiety is normal but separation anxiety disorder usually occurs among older children aged between 6 and 12. They fear getting lost or even something terrible happening to someone they are very attached to. Due to this they do not want to let that person out of their sight for even a moment. Their unwillingness to stay away from family causes them to be even more isolated, and most of these children land up with no friends because they do not interact with other children.

Causes for Separation Anxiety Disorder

  • Often a traumatic event which for a young child is difficult to let go off may cause separation anxiety disorder. For examples if he gets lost or is abducted it is natural for him to develop separation anxiety disorder.
  • Being away from an extremely close knit family may be a cause for worry for a child and he may become anxious.
  • If there is a chemical imbalance of nor epinephrine and serotonin, separation anxiety disorder is likely to develop.
  • A child's natural temperament may be such that he fears separation and hence withdraws. This could cause separation anxiety disorder as well.

If a child develops constant behavior patterns of not wanting his parents and family members to be out of sight, can't sleep alone, can't be alone at home without his parents, or is constantly worried about the well-being of his family members, and even has nightmares about it, it may be an indication that he is developing separation anxiety disorder. It is not normal for a child to excessively panic at the prospect of a new place or of new people or going away from home. You could consider these as warning signals.

If you think your child suffers from separation anxiety disorder, do not let it go easily. It is wise to seek professional help and conduct a complete psychiatric evaluation of your child. Remember that it is best to get the problem treated early. Delay in treatments often cause further complications. A child may be treated either with the help of the family who help the child overcome his illness in the most natural setting possible - home. However, if this is not possible, psychiatrists have effectively treated many children and they could help your child too.

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