Separation Anxiety

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Separation anxiety refers to excessive and developmentally inappropriate fear or distress when a person is separated from an attachment figure or a place of security. It is most commonly associated with children, but it can also occur in adolescents and adults. Separation anxiety typically arises during major life transitions or separations, such as starting school, being away from caregivers, or experiencing significant changes in relationships or living situations.

Engagement in therapy with a psychologist can help your child with their separation anxiety.

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Symptoms

In children, symptoms of separation anxiety may include:

  1. Excessive Worry: Persistent and excessive worry or fear about being separated from a loved one or caregiver. Children may express concerns about potential harm or danger befalling themselves or their loved ones.

  2. Distress at Separation: Intense distress, crying, or tantrums when anticipating or experiencing separation. Children may exhibit clingy behavior and be unwilling to leave the presence of their attachment figure.

  3. Physical Symptoms: Complaints of physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, or nausea, in anticipation of or during separations.

  4. Reluctance to Attend School: Strong resistance or refusal to attend school or engage in activities that involve separation from caregivers.

  5. Nighttime Separation Anxiety: Difficulties with sleeping alone or recurrent nightmares that involve separation from caregivers.

In adolescents and adults, separation anxiety may manifest differently, with symptoms such as:

  1. Excessive Preoccupation: Constant preoccupation or worry about the well-being of attachment figures when separated from them.

  2. Avoidance of Separation: Persistent avoidance of situations that may involve separation from loved ones, such as refusing to travel or stay away from home.

  3. Fear of Abandonment: Overwhelming fear of being abandoned or left alone.

  4. Reluctance to Form New Relationships: Difficulty forming new relationships or excessively relying on existing ones due to fear of separation or loss.

  5. Physical Symptoms: Similar to children, adolescents, and adults may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or other stress-related symptoms in response to separation.

Treatment

Treatment for separation anxiety often involves therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals identify and challenge anxious thoughts and develop coping skills. Gradual exposure to separations, relaxation techniques, and parent or caregiver involvement are often part of the treatment process, especially in cases involving children. Medication may be considered in severe cases or when symptoms significantly impair daily functioning.

It is important to seek professional help from a psychologist if separation anxiety is interfering with a person's daily life, relationships, or overall well-being. A trained psychologist can provide a proper diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the individual's specific needs.

If you would like more information, or to book an initial appointment, please contact the practice.