Separation Anxiety
Separation Anxiety
Whether it is a first grade child who frequently complains of stomach aches and cries when her parents leave her at school, or a 6th grade student who refuses to get out of bed and misses the bus every morning, separation anxiety disorder can be confusing and upsetting for school age children and their parents. Normal separation anxiety occurs in children between the ages of 8 to 10 months and is a stage of infant development. Separation Anxiety Disorder is when a child becomes anxious, fearful, and upset when separated from a caregiver. Symptoms may include:
• Fear when separating from a parent or caregiver,
• Complaints of physical symptoms including stomach aches and headaches when it is time to go to school or other activities,
• Worries that something will happen to parents or themselves,
• Refusal to attend school or other activities away from parents,
• Difficulty sleeping alone.
At school, children may have additional symptoms including reluctance to engage in activities with peers and difficulty concentrating.
Separation anxiety disorder and other forms of anxiety are treatable through medical and therapeutic interventions. Many children experience anxiety occasionally when separating from their caregivers. If symptoms persist or increase, speak to your pediatrician or school counselor. Or, to make an appointment with an LFCS counselor, call (314) 787-5100 and ask for the Intake Department.