Separation Anxiety Disorder
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Separation anxiety disorder
is a condition in children that causes strong fear or worry about being away from something familiar. Examples include a parent or home. Separation anxiety is common for children until about 3 years of age. Separation anxiety becomes a disorder when these feelings continue longer and prevent your child from doing daily activities.
Common signs and symptoms:
- Worry or nightmares about losing a parent or other loved one in an accident or to illness
- Not wanting to leave home, refusing to go to school or events, or not spending time with friends
- Fear of being alone, or refusing to sleep alone
- Clinging to a familiar person or following that person around
- Crying, yelling, or hitting someone when separation may happen
- Physical problems such as nausea or vomiting, headaches, or dizziness, when separation happens or is expected
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:
- Your child has chest pain, tightness, or heaviness that may spread to his or her shoulders, arms, jaw, neck, or back.
- Your child says he or she feels like hurting himself or herself, or someone else.
Call your child's doctor or therapist if:
- Your child's symptoms get worse or do not get better with treatment.
- Your child has new or worsening symptoms.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Treatment for separation anxiety disorder:
Early treatment can help prevent separation anxiety disorder from getting worse. It can also help prevent other problems, such as depression. Your child may need any of the following:
- Medicines may be used to help your child feel less nervous, anxious, or depressed. Medicines are usually used together with therapy or other treatments.
- Cognitive behavior therapy can help your child understand his or her anxiety and control negative thoughts. A therapist may also teach your child ways to relax, such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation. You, other family members, caregivers, or your child's teachers may also attend.
How to help your child:
- Use babysitters who are familiar to your child. Use the same babysitter as much as possible. If you have to use a new babysitter, invite him or her to spend time with your child while you are there.
- Create a routine with your child. Tell your child that you will be back. Your child may feel better if you tell him or her when you will return. Stay calm and try not to show that you are sad or anxious. Leave quickly after you say goodbye. Children become more upset when they are sleepy or hungry. If possible, leave after your child has eaten or taken a nap.
- Tell caregivers or teachers to distract your child when you leave him or her. Visit the daycare or school a few times with your child before you leave him or her there. Tell caregivers or teachers to start a new activity. They can also give your child his or her favorite toy to play with.
- Help your child practice deep breathing. Deep breathing can help your child relax when he or she is anxious. Your child should learn to take slow, deep breaths several times a day, or before you have to leave him or her. Tell your child to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth.
- Offer your child a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, whole-grain breads, and cooked beans. Healthy foods can help your child feel less anxious and have more energy.
- Encourage your child to be physically active. Physical activity, such as exercise, can increase your child's energy level. Exercise may also lift your child's mood and help him or her sleep better. Your child's healthcare provider can help you create an exercise plan for your child.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your child's doctor or therapist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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