Q: What triggers separation anxiety?

Common triggers of children&#39;s separation anxiety disorder include: <ul role="presentation"> <li>Changing the environment. Changes in a child&#39;s familiar environment can cause separation anxiety disorder, such as moving to a new home, starting at a new school or daycare. </li><li>Stress. Stressful conditions such as school switching, divorce, or even the loss of a pet may trigger separation anxiety. </li><li>An over-protective parent. Separation anxiety disorder can be a result of a parent&#39;s stress or anxiety projecting on the child. </li><li>Unstable attachment. The attachment bond is the relational link between the child and the child&#39;s primary caretaker. While this bond ensures that a child feels safe and secure, occasionally, if the bond not stable, it can trigger separation anxiety. </li> </ul> <h2>Parent quiz:<a href="https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-6-12/mental-health-conditions-in-children/child-mental-health-checklist" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a> Child mental health checklist</h2>This <a href="https://meetmonarch.com/quizzes/child-emotional-problems" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3-minute, online quiz</a> can be used if you think your child is having emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties.

Question 1

Is separation anxiety disorder a mental illness?

Accepted Answer

Yes, separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is considered a mental illness based on its inclusion in the DSM-5. The DSM-5, or The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is the guide used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental health conditions.

The DSM-5 defines separation anxiety disorder as developmentally inappropriate and extreme anxiety concerning separation from those to whom the individual is attached, as evidenced by at least three (3) of a battery of behaviors ranging from severe reluctance to leave home to repeatedly having nightmares about being separated. The anxiety must be persistent, lasting at least 4 weeks in children and adolescents and 6 months or more in adults.

Parent quiz: Child mental health checklist

This 3-minute, online quiz can be used if you think your child is having emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties.

Question 2

What happens if separation anxiety is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that, if left untreated, children with separation anxiety disorder (CSAD) are more likely to perform poorly in school, miss out on important life experiences, and potentially have substance abuse issues. Having some separation anxiety is expected of young children, and usually goes away as a child ages. It's when the child's discomfort while separating becomes excessive, based on the developmental stage of the child.

Anxiety disorders most frequently co-occur with other conditions such as depression, eating disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), delaying treatment can be detrimental to a child's wellbeing. Research estimates that 4% of young kids may have a clinical degree of separation anxiety, and that 36%, will continue in adulthood if not treated early.

Question 3

At what age does separation anxiety typically peak?

Accepted Answer

Separation anxiety generally reaches its peak in children between 14 and 18 months and typically decreases throughout early childhood.

While there will always be times when a child only wants to be the primary caregiver, as the child reaches preschool, they are far less likely to exhibit symptoms of separation anxiety. In a 2009 study, 4% of preschool children are estimated to have separation anxiety disorder.

Parent quiz: Child mental health checklist

This 3-minute, online quiz can be used if you think your child is having emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties.

Question 4

What triggers separation anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Common triggers of children's separation anxiety disorder include:

Changing the environment. Changes in a child's familiar environment can cause separation anxiety disorder, such as moving to a new home, starting at a new school or daycare.
Stress. Stressful conditions such as school switching, divorce, or even the loss of a pet may trigger separation anxiety.
An over-protective parent. Separation anxiety disorder can be a result of a parent's stress or anxiety projecting on the child.
Unstable attachment. The attachment bond is the relational link between the child and the child's primary caretaker. While this bond ensures that a child feels safe and secure, occasionally, if the bond not stable, it can trigger separation anxiety.

Parent quiz: Child mental health checklist

This 3-minute, online quiz can be used if you think your child is having emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties.

Question 5

What is the best treatment for separation anxiety?

Accepted Answer

For children and adolescents suffering from separation anxiety disorder (SAD), there are several treatment options. The first step is finding a mental health professional. Child psychiatrists, child psychologists, or pediatric neurologists can diagnose and treat separation anxiety disorders.

Treatment for child separation anxiety disorder often includes:

Talk therapy. Talk therapy or psychotherapy offers a safe place for a child to express his or her feelings.
Play therapy. The therapeutic use of play is a widely-used and effective method to get children to open up about their feelings.
Family counseling. Family counseling can help combat the negative thoughts that cause a child's anxiety.

Most data about the effectiveness of treatment refer to non-pharmacological treatments, so these should be the clinician ́s first choice. However, for severe cases of SAD, medication may be incorporated into treatment.

Parent quiz: Child mental health checklist

This 3-minute, online quiz can be used if you think your child is having emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties.

Question 6

What is separation anxiety in adults?

Accepted Answer

Separation anxiety in adults is when a person fears being separated from a specific person (or persons). However, it doesn't always have to be people that a person fears being separated from as some adults have separation anxiety when they are separated from a pet.

The formal name is adult separation anxiety disorder or ASAD for short.

Persons with ASAD may experience high levels of anxiety, and occasionally even panic attacks, when they separated from a loved one. They also tend to be socially disengaged, exhibit symptoms of severe depression, and/or experience trouble concentrating when separated from a specific person.

A study found that, while 4% of children in the U.S. are impacted by child separation anxiety disorder (CSAD), even more adults will suffer from ASAD. In fact, ASAD is estimated to have a prevalence rate of 6.6% among U.S. adults. That translates to over 20 million adults who will experience ASAD at some time in their lives.

Is separation anxiety disorder a mental illness?

Parent quiz: Child mental health checklist

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