Separation Anxiety Disorder in Children

Childhood Separation Anxiety Disorder is different from usual childhood fears due to its intensity that extends beyond appropriate developmental period for a child’s age. When children experience severe anxiety due to separation from their mother or primary care giver they might be feel a strong, persistent and excessive fear or anxiety. Physical symptoms may also be present like distress, stomach aches and headaches.

The disorder can negatively impact on children’s family life, relationships and their school adjustment. Kids who are anxious develop avoidance type of behaviours in family, school and other activities that prevent them from enjoying life. The symptoms of childhood anxiety disorders will persist into adulthood if not treated.
While it’s common for toddlers to feel anxious when separated from their parent, they usually will grow out of it by about the age of three.

How Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) helps these children

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy teaches children to identify their moods and regulate their emotions is the highest standard for treating anxiety. Play therapy techniques and parenting skills training are also beneficial for families and teachers to equip them with knowledge to help the child by reinforcing what they learn.

Below is a list of skills that can be taught to the individual or to groups

• Challenging and replacing unhelpful thinking
• Raise self-awareness
• Problem solving skills
• Friendship skills
• Relaxation skills
• Self-management training
• Increasing positive role models and support networks
• Mindfulness
• Attention training
• Building step plans
• Exposure exercises
• Apply skills to life
Studies have shown that 1 in 5 children develop a range of heightened anxiety symptoms.

List of Anxiety Disorders in Children

• Separation anxiety disorder
• Specific phobias
• Social anxiety disorder
• Generalised anxiety disorder

Where to get help

Parents who suspect their child may have separation anxiety disorder would benefit from seeking counselling for the child and seeing your family doctor.

Search for a counsellor near you – www.theaca.net.au
Lifeline – A free 24 hour Crisis Counselling service – 13 11 14
https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Kids Help Line – 1800 55 1800 – http://kidshelpline.com.au/

Sources
APS – Australian Psychological Society – https://www.psychology.org.au/Content.aspx?ID=6216