Separation Anxiety is typically an anxiety disorder that occurs in children, although it can also occur in adults as well. The symptoms for both children and adults are similar, usually with the adults throwing tantrums, although the underlying causes are different.
Children first start understanding that objects continue to exist even when you can’t see them when they are about 6 months old. That is usually around the time that Separation Anxiety can start forming. Before that, babies are fairly happy as long as they are being fed, changed, and rocked to sleep. Once they begin understanding, however, that you are a concrete person and a center point in their life, they might start reacting to your absence.
Children can show Separation Anxiety in different ways. They might throw tantrums, cry uncontrollably, and sometimes even hold their breath until they turn blue. Some things can trigger Separation Anxiety, such as changes in the child’s routine. This can occur when you go on vacation or if you move or change childcare providers.
Separation Anxiety in children is quite common, but a recent study has shown that mothers who experienced a lot of stress during pregnancy went on to have children who have Separation Anxiety.
One of the worst things that you can do when your child is facing Separation Anxiety is probably the very thing that you feel you should do-run back to them. However, if you keep reappearing when they cry for you, it will just reinforce the fact that they can cry and you will return. Obviously, if you have to work or leave you will need to go at some point.
If older children suddenly develop Separation Anxiety, it could be a different problem all together. They might be bullied or harassed at school so it worth talking to them to get to the root of the problem.
Adults can also face Separation Anxiety. As a matter of fact, almost 7% of the adult population in the United States has some form of Separation Anxiety. Adult symptoms might include avoidance of being alone, fear, depression, and fear that something terrible will happen to the one that they feel the attachment to.
There is no known cause for Separation Anxiety in adults. However, biological factors and genetics might be causes. In addition, adults who have suffered trauma or great loss in the past might also be prone to fear of losing a loved one which could result in Separation Anxiety.