When separation anxiety disorder is left untreated, children can be at risk for developing panic disorder, agoraphobia, and school phobia. In addition, these fears can cause problems in developing normal and healthy relationships with both family members and friends.
Symptoms
Symptoms of separation anxiety disorder include:
- Avoiding activities taking them away from home, such as going to school or going to a friend’s home.
- Nightmares about being separated from parents, or fear of sleeping alone.
- Becoming whiny or clinging to parents, following them from room to room or staying near them when outside the home, even if other children are playing in another room.
- Constant worrying about parents leaving.
- Physical symptoms such as stomachaches or headaches when they must be separated from parents.
- Anxiety, worrying or panic if anticipating a separation from parents.
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of appetite
When to Seek Help
If anxiety symptoms continue after a child enters school or interferes with your, or your child’s daily activities, you should speak with your doctor.
Additional warning signs that a child may have developed separation anxiety disorder include:
- Crying when leaving a child at school or day care continues for more than 2 weeks.
- Child continually complains of “not feeling well” in the morning before going to school but feels fine later in the day.
- Children continue to have separation anxiety during elementary school age and beyond.
- Symptoms of separation anxiety interfere with a child’s ability to attend school or spend time with friends.
Treatment
Treatment for separation anxiety disorder may include behavioral therapy, counseling and in some cases, medication. Treatment should be coordinated between parents, counselors, pediatrician and the school in order to provide the child with a high level of support.
Once the pediatrician has ruled out any physical causes of the child’s symptoms, behavioral therapy can help a child to face their fears under controlled situations. Home schooling is not normally recommended as this can create a more isolated environment. Instead, helping a child and offering support while they attend school each day can provide a better opportunity to reduce symptoms.
