Separation Anxiety Disorder Estefany Lezama Psychology Period 4

What is separation anxiety disorder? It is a disorder only diagnosed in children Definition: -A childhood disorder characterized by intense and inappropriate anxiety lasting at least four weeks, concerning separation from home or care givers.

Associated features Recurring behaviors, thoughts, and feelings in children with separation anxiety disorder are: Clinging to parents Panicking when they leave home Becoming anti-social Lack of concentration They think people don’t care about them or love them Feel sad Afraid

Diagnostic criteria for 309.21 Separation Anxiety Disorder A. Developmentally inappropriate and excessive anxiety concerning separation from home or from those to whom the individual is attached, as evidenced by three (or more) of the following: · recurrent excessive distress when separation from home or major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated · persistent and excessive worry about losing, or about possible harm befalling, major attachment figures · persistent and excessive worry that an untoward event will lead to separation from a major attachment figure (e.g. getting lost or kidnapped) · reluctance or refusal to go to school or elsewhere because of fear of separation · persistently and excessively fearful or reluctant to be alone or without major attachment figures at home or without significant adults in other settings · persistent reluctance or refusal to go to sleep without being near a major attachment figure or to sleep away from home · repeated nightmares involving the theme of separation · repeated complaints of physical symptoms (such as headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or vomiting) when separation from major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated

continuation B. The duration of the disturbance is at least 4 weeks. C. The onset is before age 18 years. D. The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, academic (occupational), or other important areas of functioning. E. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and, in adolescents and adults, is not better accounted for by Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia.

Etiology causes include: Disturbed childhoods or environments Also if a child’s mother has panic disorder then the child is most likely to have Separation anxiety disorder which is known as first- degree biological Going through some life stress when losing a relative, a pet or even moving homes, school or immigrating to another country

Prevalence The disorder is only diagnosed in children The early onset is before the age of 6 Only 4% of children including adolescents have it Although it is equally possible for both male and females to have it, females are the one’s who frequently have it. It is more common during childhood years rather than during adolescence

Treatment Psychotherapies are the typical form of treating a separation anxiety disorder One of the forms used is cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy With this form children are taught to recognize their feelings, reactions, and see that anxiety is caused by separation They are also taught to form a way of coping with any separation situations, but they also have to see what form helps them The treatment also involves therapies with the child’s parents and have proven to be effective In some cases medication is prescribed to reduce the anxiety but in severe cases

Prognosis The disorder is estimated to last about 4 weeks The earlier it is diagnosed the more successful treatment is It causes impairment and distress in a person’s social, academic (occupational) life It causes frustration, conflict, and resentment within families It can lead to a dysthymia disorder, major depressive disorder or to a panic disorder with agoraphobia

Discussion Questions: What are some real life examples of how their social and education life are affected? How can a parent help prevent a separation disorder on their child?

Reference American Psychiatric Association.(2000).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association. Grohol, J.(16oct.2012).Separation anxiety disorder symptoms. Retrieved from http://psychocentral.com/disorderslsx78.htm Halgin, R. P. & Whitbourne, S.K. (2005). Abnormal psychology: clinical perspectives on psychological disorders. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill