Definition
Separation anxiety is a state of extreme agitation and concern, which manifests itself in the child when he has to separate from a parent or a member of the family to which he is deeply attached.
This disorder occurs at the moment of detachment, with unrealistic and persistent fears about the occurrence of catastrophic events (eg serious accidents, kidnappings, killing or illness) that can separate them forever from family members.
Separation anxiety can lead to a strong reluctance to go to school, as this implies a departure from the parents or, more generally, from the primary reference figure. Often, these children have difficulty falling asleep on their own and may insist that someone remain with them.
Separation anxiety is also associated with physical symptoms, such as headaches, sweating, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, feelings of lack of air, vomiting and abdominal pain.
When they are separated from their parents, children tend to be sad, they ask to call their parents and be taken home. In patients, behavioral symptoms occur, such as crying and rabies.
Separation anxiety can develop after some particularly stressful life event (eg death of a relative or pet, episode of child hospitalization or illness of a family member, separation or divorce of parents, change of school or move, etc. .).
The disorder can also result from affective deficiencies or, on the contrary, from overprotective or intrusive behavior on the part of the parents, which can discourage the independence of the child. If left untreated, these subjects can develop panic attacks, agoraphobia or personality disorders during adolescence and forms of emotional dependence in affective relationships in adulthood.
Possible Causes * of Separation Anxiety
- Anxiety
- Panic attack
