Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder Phobias Types Print How to Know When Separation Anxiety Becomes a Mental Disorder By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics. Learn about our editorial policy Lisa Fritscher Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 09, 2020 heshphoto / Getty Images More in Phobias Types Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Separation anxiety is loosely defined as the fear of being away from the primary caregiver and the  most common ways for children to act out their fears is through  tantrums and clinging. Its  a healthy and normal part of your childs development between the ages of 8 and 14 months. Separation anxiety disorder is a diagnosis for children who fall outside the boundaries of this otherwise normal developmental stage. Symptoms of Normal Separation Anxiety The symptoms of separation anxiety as a developmental stage are considered normal until the age of 2 and always include elements that cause the parent to question leaving, including: Excessive cryingForcefully holding onto the caregivers body or clothesScreamingRefusal to engage with a caregiver or other children External Triggers Can Worsen the Anxiety and Include New situations that take children out of their routine, including a new caregiver, a recent move, or a new sibling.Family difficulties, such as marital problems or financial issues, that put stress on the adults in the home can have a negative effect on children. Separation Anxiety in Older Children It is normal for some older children, particularly those who are shy, to go through a phase of not wanting parents to leave. However, a caregiver can typically redirect the child to engage in group activities. Children over the age of 2 who dont respond to redirection or demonstrate severe symptoms  may be suffering from separation anxiety disorder. When Separation Anxiety Becomes a Diagnosable Disorder Separation anxiety disorder is a specific psychological disorder that is different from normal separation anxiety, although it can be difficult to tell the difference because symptoms can overlap. Symptoms more common in separation anxiety disorder include: HeadachesStomach distressExcessive fears or worry that something will happen to either the parent or child while the two are separatedFlatly refusing to participate in separate activities and inconsolable crying for the duration of the separationAge-inappropriate separation anxiety in older children or adults Coping With Normal Separation Anxiety Normal separation anxiety is manageable  by a joint effort between parents and caregivers, with setting a routine as the most critical component to success. Do not give in to the temptation to sneak away, as this can make children more fearful. The next time your child gets anxious: Explain what will happen in simple, direct terms to explain where youre going, who will be in charge, and when you will return.Give your son time to adjust by visiting a new school or babysitters house together a few times. Let him get used to the new person before you leave.Remain calm and upbeat, focus on the fun that your child will have, and treat the separation as a normal occurrence.Say goodbye once no matter how much your child screams or cries, give her a big hug and kiss, say goodbye and walk out the door.  Build on small successes by leaving her for only an hour or two the first day and  gradually add to the length of time, always returning when you promised. Seeking Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder Separation anxiety disorder may require professional intervention with a trained mental health professional. Gather as much information as possible before your first therapy visit, including details about your childs behavior both when you leave and while you are away. A good therapist will become part of the team that includes you, your child and the caregiver, making suggestions for all of you to follow. Over time, you may find that your child is eager to participate in each days new activities.