TRIBUNNEWSWIKI.COM – Separation anxiety disorder or separation anxiety is a condition when a person is afraid of being separated from someone or something.
One of these anxiety disorders generally occurs in children, but the disorder can also occur in adults.
Separation anxiety is characterized by anxiety, anxiety, to feeling sad and crying when you have to be separated from someone (in small children, parents).
It can even interfere with daily activities. In children, this disorder can potentially experience panic attacks due to separation anxiety disorder (SAD). (1)
Although the exact cause of this disorder is not known, separation anxiety is often seen with other anxiety-related conditions such as panic disorder, agoraphobia and generalized anxiety disorder.
Separation anxiety is part of the development of children, especially in the age range of six months to three years.
If the symptoms continue until the end of childhood, then the child is potentially diagnosed with child separation anxiety disorder (child separation anxiety disorder).
Then, if the anxiety continues into adulthood, a possible diagnosis is adult separation anxiety disorder. (2)
Baca: Fobia Sosial (Social Anxiety Disorder)
Some of the symptoms that arise in adults and children are similar.
For children, the most common symptom is a severe fear of being separated from or away from a parent or caregiver.
While in parents, similar symptoms are severe anxiety when they have to be away from someone (children).
The following are some of the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder that need attention according to The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic Manual for Mental Health 5th Edition (DSM-5).
– Restless or fussy about being separated from someone or something such as a pet.
– Excessive worry that the person or thing will feel harmed if they are left alone.
– Need to know where a partner or loved one is at any time of increasing fear of being alone.
– Physical symptoms of knowing they will be separated from others. Physical symptoms in question can include nausea, headaches to sore throats. (2)
Baca: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Some of the causes of separation anxiety disorder in children are as follows.
– Changes in the surrounding environment.
– Stress due to certain conditions, such as moving house or school, parental divorce, death of a close family member, and so on.
– Overprotective parents. (1)
– Unhealthy attachment to parents or caregivers.
Have or experience another anxiety disorder such as social anxiety disorder, phobia or agorophobia.
– Children with separation anxiety disorder may also have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or depression. (2)
Baca: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Treatment for people with separation anxiety disorder in adults is similar to the procedures performed to treat other anxiety disorders.
The following are some treatments that may be recommended, among others.
– Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
– Group or group therapy
– Family therapy
– Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
– Medications such as antidepressants, buspirone, or benzodiazepines. (2)
Baca: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
(TRIBUNNEWSWIKI.COM/Anindya)
–
