The main feature of separation anxiety disorder (AKD) is the intense anxiety experienced with separation from home or main attachment objects. In order to be diagnosed with separation anxiety disorder, the anxiety must be greater than expected based on the child's developmental level, last longer than 4 weeks, begin before the age of 18, and cause serious distress and loss of functionality in social, academic and other areas.
Epidemiological studies, A 3% – 5%prevalence has been reported for separation anxiety disorder in children and adolescents. Separation anxiety disorder is more common in children than in adolescents. While many studies show that AKD is more common in girls than boys, some studies have shown that AKD is seen equally in girls and boys. During the preschool period, they always prefer to be in the same environment with their parents and follow their parents. They do not leave their parents alone when they enter foreign environments. When they start school, they do not want to go to school and want to sit with their parents in the classroom. They describe various physical symptoms (abdominal pain, headache, etc.) to avoid going to school. At home, they want to sleep with the mother and father under various excuses.
Most of the families of children with anxiety disorders are in the middle and upper socio-economic levels. Genetics and temperament characteristics are potential contributors to the etiology of APD
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry offers a comprehensive study for the treatment of APD. The recommendation is a multifaceted treatment approach. This approach includes informing the family and child about anxiety disorders, cognitive behavioral interventions, psychodynamic therapy, family treatment and pharmacotherapy options. It evaluates the products in terms of suitability and recommends using the ones deemed appropriate together.
SYMPTOMS
- Excessive attachment to parents, desire to be together all the time
- Feeling tension, restlessness, anxiety, fear when away from parents
- Preferring to sleep with parents
- Not being able to stay at home alone (Varies depending on age..)
- Not wanting to stay anywhere other than home
- Following the parents all the time
- Thinking that bad things will happen to the parents and having dreams about it
- Not wanting to go to school alone
- Not wanting to go out alone
Read: 0
