A level of separation anxiety is normal for children aged 1-3 years, as children are very dependent on their family members. Separation anxiety disorder (SAD), however, is when a child has an excessive and persistent fear about being apart from their primary carer. Children may start to refuse to sleep alone, refuse to attend school, experience nightmares about separation, worry excessively about the safety of their family or themselves, show evidence of “clinginess” prior to separation, and are panicked when separated.

What causes separation anxiety?

There are many biological, environmental, and family factors that contribute to the development of SAD. Research suggests it’s more likely to occur in children born with sensitive temperaments and whose parents also experience anxiety.

What is the treatment for separation anxiety?

Unlike the normal “stranger danger” phase of an infant or the separation worries of a young toddler, SAD as a disorder is unlikely to remit quickly without specialised intervention. In fact some of the well-intentioned things parents do to help children feel better (e.g., staying for the first class of the school day or providing extra reassurance) can prolonged the problem as children do not have the opportunity to build their own confidence and independence. Treatment usually involves Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) or Systemic Family Therapy to cultivate a healthy attachment between child and parent to increase a sense of safety when alone, as well as anxiety management skills to reduce fearfulness and increase a child’s resilience.

How do I access child and family therapy?

Discuss this option with your GP who can write a Mental Health Care Plan referral, allowing your family to access a Medicare rebate for the first 10 sessions of each year. Our child and family therapists have completed post graduate training in Clinical Psychology including specific training in child and family therapies.

If you’re looking for an inner west Child and Family Therapist, don’t hesitate to give us a call today at our Ultimo Psychology Clinic. Foresight Psychology Ultimo: 02 8380 8855 / info@foresightpsychology.com