Separation Anxiety Disorder: A Parent's Guide

Separation anxiety is a normal part of growing up for children. But this can evolve into a much more serious case called separation anxiety disorder. Unlike separation anxiety, the disorder is an extreme age-inappropriate fear about being away from one's family members. They fear that if they are not with their family at all times something will happen to the ones who take care of them.Another difference between separation anxiety and separation anxiety disorder is that the disorder occurs to school aged children, and their fears are exaggerated way out of context. It also gets to the point where it prevents them from leading a normal childhood, since they do not want to participate in normal activities that children their age should be.
What are the causes of the disorder?

1. An event that scares the child such as natural disasters
2. A separation from a family member such as a divorce, or a parent serving in the military and getting deployed
3. A serious illness or death in the family
4. A change that affects them, such as a new child in the family,new babysitter, or a new school

A medical explanation for the disorder is that there is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Also children of parents who had anxiety disorder are also more likely to develop it.

What are the symptoms for the disorder?
1. Physical symptoms include stomach aches and headaches especially when they know they are about to be seperated from their parents for a while.
2. Does not let parents out of sight
3.They have nightmares about being abandoned
4.Worries excessively about the safety of family and/or their own safety
5.Panics when they know there is about to be separated
6.Refuses to leave the house.

When to get help?
According to experts if it continues 4 weeks after the age of 5 is when they will diagnose a child with the disorder. When it's time to get help for them is when they refuse to socialize or leave the house along with the fact no matter how much you are trying to help them feel safe, loved and secure, it is not working.

Long-term effects if not treated?