Child separation anxiety disorder is a condition characterized by a developmentally abnormal, severe and persistent fear of separation from a caregiver or parent, such as the mother. Minor separation anxiety is normal in infants or toddlers and most children outgrow this condition by the time they reach 2 years old. If symptoms of excessive distress, worry or nightmares persist in your school-aged child, she may have child separation anxiety disorder. Speak with your pediatrician to discuss what treatment options are available for children with separation anxiety disorder.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
If your child struggles with child separation anxiety disorder, he may benefit from receiving a form of treatment called cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a treatment that helps patients change certain behavioral patterns by implementing new, learned skills that are taught during therapy. This form of treatment allows your child to meet regularly one-on-one with a therapist or counselor to address symptoms of anxiety. During cognitive-behavioral therapy, your child will learn new ways to cope with the anxious feelings she experiences due to child separation anxiety disorder. By putting these new techniques into practice, your child can progressively overcome her anxiety and may no longer experience symptoms associated with child separation anxiety disorder.
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, may help your child learn to control his anxious behavior, explain health professionals at the National Mental Health Information Center, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Stress and increased muscle tension often exacerbate symptoms associated with child separation anxiety disorder. Teaching relaxation techniques to a child can provide him with the tools necessary to manage and overcome the anxious symptoms he experiences throughout his body.
Medication
In cases of severe child separation anxiety disorder, your doctor may recommend that your child be prescribed an anti-anxiety medication. As symptoms of child separation anxiety disorder can arise in children as young as 3 years old, it is important to discuss what effect anti-anxiety medication can have on your child's development. Anti-anxiety medication can help manage extreme symptoms of anxiety and may be used in combination with cognitive-behavior therapy or relaxation strategies to help your child overcome this condition. As your child ages, he may no longer suffer from symptoms of child separation anxiety disorder and may be able to be weaned off of anti-anxiety medication. Be sure to follow the treatment plan established by your child's pediatrician for the management of symptoms related to child separation anxiety disorder.
