Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage for young children. Most people grow out of it with time, but for some, the anxiety can persist into adolescence and adulthood — creating a condition known as separation anxiety disorder.
Separation anxiety disorder involves excessive fear at the prospect of being separated from a parent, caregiver, or other person that goes beyond what’s considered age-appropriate. Left untreated, it can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to function in daily life.
Fortunately, with proper care, separation anxiety disorder can be effectively managed. Our team of psychiatrists and psychotherapists at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates specializes in separation anxiety disorder, and here’s what you need to know about common symptoms, when to seek help, and what your treatment options might be.
Separation anxiety disorder can cause both emotional and physical symptoms. Some of the most common emotional symptoms include:
In addition to these emotional symptoms, physical symptoms can include:
Intense anxiety can cause very real physical symptoms, including nausea, headaches, or stomachaches, especially when separation is imminent or has occurred. Symptoms of panic attacks include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and feelings of impending doom.
It’s important to understand the difference between normal separation anxiety and a disorder. It’s normal for young children to experience some distress when separating from a parent or caregiver. But when the anxiety is extreme, lasts for more than a month, and interferes with daily life, it may be time to seek professional help.
Adolescents or adults who experience persistent fears about being separated from a loved one, especially when it impacts their social or work life, should also consider seeking treatment.
Separation anxiety disorder can feel overwhelming — but it’s treatable, and the most effective approaches often include a combination of therapy and medication.
CBT is considered the gold standard for treating separation anxiety disorder. This method helps you recognize and change your negative thought patterns related to separation.
In therapy, children and adults alike can learn coping skills to manage their fears and anxieties through methods like relaxation techniques or exposure therapy, the latter of which involves gradually increasing time apart to build tolerance and reduce fear.
For some people, particularly teens and adults with more severe symptoms, we may also recommend medication. Anti-anxiety medications or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, and they can help manage the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder.
In cases of childhood separation anxiety disorder, parental involvement is key. We work with parents to help their children develop coping mechanisms and gradually become more comfortable with separation. For adults with separation anxiety disorder, having supportive family members or loved ones who understand their condition is also beneficial for recovery.
Separation anxiety disorder can cause real distress for both children and adults, but effective treatments like CBT and medication can offer relief. If you or someone you love is struggling with separation anxiety, consider seeking help from our team at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates.
With the right support, you can learn to manage your anxiety and start leading a more balanced and fulfilling life. Book a consultation with us to get started today.
