Separation anxiety is an anxiety disorder that usually occurs in young children as a result from a parent having to leave them or walk away for a short time while still being close and coming back. The anxious feelings associated with this condition can also manifest physical responses such as: nausea, headaches and a sore throat.
Separation anxiety can bring about feelings of being afraid of being separated from a parent (s), particular person ( caregiver), or a pet. This condition is most associated with children but can also affect adults that may have had the condition as a child. Still others may only experience the condition as an adult.
In children, especially younger than 2 years of age. Don’t understand that when a parent or caregiver leaves, even for a few minutes that they are coming back.
Adult and Child Symptoms
The DSM-5 diagnostic manual for mental health conditions by The American Psychiatric Association uses the following criteria of symptoms to determine whether a person has separation anxiety.
Has a heightened fear or worry of being alone
Shows unusual discomfort about being separated from a person or pet
Needing to know where a spouse or loved one is at all times
Displaying physical symptoms when they know someone is about to leave them alone
Excessive worry about another being harmed if left alone
Symptoms such as these in adults can last up to 6 months or more and have shown to affect their work, school, ability to study and social relationships.
Diagnosis
The DMS-5 no longer considers separation anxiety disorder a condition that lasts only until a person reaches the age of 18 years. Now, it has broadened it’s definition to include adults.
Only a mental health practitioner can make a determination of the probability of symptoms to meet the criteria based upon the latest DSM-5 for adults.
Causes of Separation Anxiety In Adults
Many people could mistakenly see controlling and over protective adults as having separation anxiety disorder. When in fact it is just the way they cope with the fear from the separation.
Causes of the separation anxiety in adults can result from other underlying mental health conditions. Often within the autism spectrum disorder resulting from delusional behaviors from a psychotic condition or sometimes a fear of change being the cause.
The adult separation anxiety often manifests when a child, parent or person moves away or when someone goes through a divorce.
Risk Factors
The American Journal of Psychiatry, estimates that 43.1 % of separation anxiety disorder develops after the age of 18 years.
Those with separation anxiety often have other pre-existing mental health conditions. Such as OCD Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder, which increases the likelihood of experiencing separation anxiety as an adult.
Other co-existing conditions include: panic disorders, social phobias and agoraphobia ( fear of going outdoors).
Other risk factors may include:
Being a female
Childhood trauma – death of a family member or pet
Significant life changes – going off to college, divorce or child moving out of the house.
History of child abuse
Treatment and Management
The standard care of separation anxiety disorder by doctors is through psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), neurofeedback or medication.
Psychotherapy
The aim of any psychotherapy in these cases is to help the person identify what emotions are playing into their condition so to help to isolate, identify, control and change their thought process.
Group Therapy
Some people with separation anxiety can gain benefit from family or group therapy. Hearing what others are going through and then sharing experiences can begin to reduce some of the anxiousness.
Medication
Some doctors will prescribe anti-anxiety medication for short term use. Because it’s not the best long term solution for acute cases.
Neurofeedback Therapy
Neurofeedback can also be a really good choice for separation anxiety because it works well alone and with all other forms of therapy to normalize brainwave activity. Which is at the center of behavioral control. Neurofeedback also has a great track record when it comes to all types of anxiety.
Whether you experience separation anxiety as a child or an adult. It is a real concern for that person and their family and friends. Although it is not as common in adults as with children. Adult separation anxiety brings about intense feelings of fear and worry that can be helped with psychotherapy, neurofeedback or medication. Speak with a health professional or doctor to help you get on the right road to recovery.
-A Balanced Brain is a Worry – Free Brain –