Separation Anxiety Treatment For Children

It is normal for toddlers and preschoolers to experience some fear and anxiety when separated from their parents. But for children who are consistently fearful with only a few minutes of separation or who are unable to go to school due to intense, irrational fears, doctors may diagnose separation anxiety disorder, which usually requires treatment.

Therapy

• Separation anxiety disorder treatment usually involves some type of therapy, though prescription medications are sometimes prescribed as well.

Function

• Through therapy for separation anxiety disorder, children learn coping strategies to deal with their fears and how to explore the underlying causes that contribute to their anxiety. Medications provide some relief from the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder, which can make a child more open to therapy.

Types of Treatment

• According to Massachusetts General Hospital, medications used for separation anxiety disorder in children include antidepressants like fluoextine, citalopram, sertaline, fluvoxamine, escitalopram and paroxetine. Therapeutic methods of treatment, reports Psych Central, include play therapy for younger children and family or school and cognitive-behavioral therapy for older children.

Risks

• Massachusetts General Hospital warns that antidepressant medications have the potential to cause suicidal thoughts, aggression and restlessness in children. When antidepressants are suddenly discontinued, cautions the Mayo Clinic, withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, irritability, headaches and dizziness occur.

Time Frame

• According to Massachusetts General Hospital, it can take up to twelve weeks for antidepressants to effectively reduce the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder. The length of time a child will require therapy varies, but it often takes several months to treat the disorder.