Separation anxiety is more than just being clingy – children with separation anxiety disorder (SAD) experience intense fear about being apart from their primary caregivers. They may worry something bad will happen to their loved ones or fear being left alone. If left unaddressed, it can affect a child’s social, emotional, and academic development. Research shows that separation anxiety typically starts between ages 7-9 but can also affect older children and teens. Children with a family history of anxiety or those who’ve experienced stressful events, such as a move or a loss, may be more at risk.

Most Effective Treatments for Separation Anxiety in Children

When it comes to treatment, research has consistently highlighted a few key approaches as being the most effective. These are:

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This is one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for separation anxiety in children. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. For example, a child might learn to challenge thoughts like, “If I go to school, something bad will happen to my mum.” They’ll work on reframing those worries and building coping skills to manage anxiety.

2. Exposure Therapy: This is part of CBT (the ‘Behavioural’ part) where children are gradually exposed to situations that trigger their anxiety in a safe and controlled way. For separation anxiety, this could involve practicing short separations that slowly get longer over time. The goal is to desensitise the child to the fear of separation.

3. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): Research has shown that involving parents in therapy is really helpful for younger children. PCIT is a structured approach where parents are taught how to reinforce positive behaviours and manage their child’s anxiety. It’s a way to help both parents and children work together on building confidence and coping strategies.

4. Relaxation Techniques: Mindfulness and relaxation exercises, like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, can also help children manage the physical symptoms of anxiety. These techniques can be taught as part of therapy or used alongside other treatments.

5. Medication: In some cases, medication might be prescribed by GPs or Paediatricians, especially if the anxiety is severe and doesn’t improve with therapy alone. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, can be an option for older children or teenagers.

It’s important to note that every child is different, so the most effective treatment plan will depend on the individual child’s needs and circumstances. A clinical psychologist can work with parents and children to figure out the best approach, whether it’s therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

If you’re concerned about separation anxiety in your child, talking to a professional is a great first step. They can assess the situation and recommend an approach that will help your child manage their anxiety and start feeling more comfortable when it’s time to say goodbye.