Separation Anxiety in Adults, Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Developmentally appropriate separation anxiety manifests between the ages of 6 to 12 months. This normative or physiological separation anxiety remains steadily observable until approximately age three and, under normal circumstances, diminishes afterward. However, more significant than expected duration or intensity of separation anxiety symptoms can happen both in children and adults.

Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) severely affects the quality of life and functioning across several areas, including school, work, social interactions, and close relationships. SAD is a gateway anxiety disorder that can lead to poor mental and physical health outcomes, including:

• Excessive worry.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Undue distress in social settings.
• Poor academic performance.
• Somatic or physical ache complaints.

According to research, anxiety and substance use disorders are among the most frequent psychiatric problems in the US, with lifetime rates of 28.8% and 14.6%, respectively. [1]

Separation anxiety and addiction often go together. We Level Up Texas dual diagnosis mental health and addiction rehab helps with both. Call us 24/7 for consultation. Each call is free and confidential.

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How to Prevent Adult Separation Anxiety?

There’s no foolproof way to prevent SAD in adults, but these tips may help.

• Gradual exposure to separations.
• Develop healthy coping mechanisms.
• Build a support system.
• Seek therapy or counseling.
• Establish routines and predictability.
• Practice relaxation techniques.
• Address underlying issues.
• Encourage self-care.
• Foster independence.
• Use positive affirmations.

How to Deal with Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety disorder usually won’t go away without therapy and can lead to panic disorder and other anxiety disorders into adulthood. If you have concerns about your loved one’s separation anxiety, talk to a mental health professional for advice and treatment options.

Separation Anxiety Disorder Treatments

Doctors may advise treating SAD through psychotherapy, medication programs, or both.

Appropriate treatment and management of separation anxiety disorder often depend on the symptom severity. In the case of mild symptoms, patient and family education, support, and encouragement may be sufficient to help the patient resume normal activities. Maintaining regular eating, sleeping, and exercise schedules and removing inconsistent routines should be encouraged.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Separation Anxiety Disorder in Adults

CBT is usually the first treatment for separation anxiety. It helps identify thoughts and behaviors worsening anxiety. Loved ones might also learn techniques to lessen separation anxiety in relationships.

The treatment regime may be shortened or prolonged depending on the severity of symptoms and comorbid factors. 

Anti-Anxiety Medication for Separation Anxiety Symptoms

Doctors may prescribe anti-anxiety meds temporarily, like SSRIs, to ease acute separation anxiety symptoms. However, these aren’t long-term solutions, and doctors usually suggest gradually reducing medication after six months. The best approach often involves a combination of CBT and SSRIs for effective treatment.

Support Groups for Separation Anxiety Adults

Someone with separation anxiety might find support in an anxiety group. Joining can provide help in learning techniques to reduce separation-related anxiety.

If you’re seeking assistance with your rehab journey, reach out to a We Level Up Texas treatment professional today—your call is free and confidential.

We Level Up Texas Dual Diagnosis Inpatient Treatment Center for Separation Anxiety and Addiction

The healthcare professionals at We Level Up Texas inpatient anxiety treatment and dual diagnosis rehab believe that addressing both the underlying issues and addiction together boosts the chances of successful, relapse-free recovery. Once we identify and start treating the mental health problems tied to alcohol or drug dependency, it brings individuals closer to long-term sobriety.

While you probably seek to live a life free from the bonds of medication use, it may be required for some patients to use their prescriptions for certain mental disorders. These drugs are seldom addictive or high-inducing in their quality. These prescriptions may be needed to improve the quality of your life and drastically improve the chances of your long-term recovery. Many of the non-addictive anti-anxiety meds are SSRIs and SNRIs. Generally, these medications are safe when used as prescribed.

Acknowledging a possible mental illness can be challenging, but getting the proper diagnosis and treatment makes addressing drug addiction more effective. Only a trained medical professional can pinpoint these underlying conditions.

Are you searching for anxiety treatment near you? Get a free rehab insurance check without any obligation. The result can help you explore several treatment options.

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