Separation Anxiety Disorder in Children – A Brief Overview

Usually occurring between the ages of 7 months to eighteen months of age when babies first learn to differentiate strangers from familiar faces, mild separation anxiety can be a normal part of early childhood development. Although this can go on for some time, most children are usually well over their fears by the time they are 3 years old. When the symptoms of mild anxiety continue or worsen however, or they begin to interfere with continued normal development, separation anxiety disorder in children should be addressed by parents.

Since early anxiety usually dissipates before a child turns three, continued symptoms are usually found to be caused by some kind of traumatic happening early in the child’s life. This could be anything from moving to a new home, a hospital stay without the caretaker present, divorce or other emotional events .

Overprotective parents – or those with anxiety disorder themselves – can promote the development of separation anxiety disorder in children, too, and there is some thought that it may be inheritable. Symptoms are widely varied depending on the child, but typically include stomach aches, headaches, fear of going to school or sleeping alone at night, bed wetting, temper tantrums, social anxiety, not wanting to make friends, and so on.

Although it is a relatively small percentage of children (4-5%) who are still affected by the time they reach the 7 to 11 year point, and even fewer teenagers (1%) continue to exhibit symptoms, those who still do should be evaluated by a mental health professional. Separation anxiety disorder in children is a mental illness, one that is typically diagnosed by behavioral symptoms and interviewing of the child, but it must be distinguished from other underlying concerns or mental disorders before treatment can be discussed.

In most cases children do recover – either with psychotherapy, medication, or both – but that can only happen with professional diagnosis. Diagnosis made as early as possible is suggested, as children who begin therapy younger tend to have better, faster results than older children. Parents who feel their child may be experiencing separation anxiety are recommended to seek a child psychologist who can help.

The good news is that most children and teens grow up to be perfectly normal, well-adjusted adults despite their initial troubles with separation anxiety. Some may experience occasional bouts from time to time throughout their lives, but in most instances separation anxiety disorder in children is usually only a temporary condition.

If you are a parent of a child that you feel may be dealing with abnormal anxiety, please give our office in Rochester Hills, Michigan a call. We would love to set up an initial appointment to meet you both, and discuss diagnosis and treatment options available for your child.