Separation Anxiety in Children.

     Separation Anxiety is a disorder in an individual, in this case, infants, toddlers, and children, in which feelings of distress become prominent when separated from someone they are emotionally connected with. The child tends to worry and fear being apart from those they feel closest to. Anxiety is a normal function when growing up but only to a certain extent. According to Stanford Medicine, nearly all children from 18 months to 3 years old have separation anxiety for some time, but the symptoms of Separation Anxiety disorder (SAD) are more severe. It is believed that both biological and environmental factors can cause SAD. An imbalance of 2 chemicals in the brain (norepinephrine and serotonin) most likely plays a part. (Stanford Children's Health", 2022). Children can learn anxiety and are more likely to have SAD/Anxiety if a parent has an anxiety diagnosis or if they have experienced any form of a traumatic event. It is said that SAD typically occurs/appears nearing third and fourth grade. 

  

Common signs of SAD are:

•  Refusing to sleep alone
•  Repeated nightmares with a theme of separation
•  Lots of worries when parted from home or family
•  Too much worry about the safety of a family member
•  Too much worry about getting lost from family
•  Refusing to go to school
•  Fearful and reluctant to be alone
•  Frequent stomachaches, headaches, or other physical complaints
•  Muscle aches or tension
•  Too much worry about the safety of self
•  Too much worry about or when sleeping away from home
•  Being very clingy, even when at home
•  Panic or temper tantrums at times of separation from parents or caregivers

       Treatment varies depending on the child's severity, age, and health; Cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, medicine, and sometimes input from the school system. It is unknown how to prevent SAD from developing, but the child or children must be positively supported before and after being diagnosed. If noticed early enough, it can be essential to seek treatment to improve their livelihood and quality of life as they develop.  

Article Link: Stanford Children's Health. Stanfordchildrens.org. (2022).

 https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=separation-anxiety-disorder-90-P02582.