Separation Anxiety Disorder and Depression

Separation Anxiety Disorder and Depression Depression Childhood Depression Print Separation Anxiety Disorder and Depression By Lauren DiMaria linkedin Lauren DiMaria is a member of the Society of Clinical Research Associates and childhood psychology expert. Learn about our editorial policy Lauren DiMaria Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids Kajetan Kandler/Getty Images Separation anxiety disorder and depression share many symptoms.  As a parent, you are probably familiar with separation anxietyâ€"the feeling an infant experiences when separated from her caregivers, for example. You may be less familiar with separation anxiety disorder (SAD) and its relation to depression. This is not to be confused with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Separation Anxiety vs. Separation Anxiety Disorder Your infant will likely experience some separation anxiety when you or other caregivers are out of sight. This is a normal developmental process and usually begins around eight months and lasts through the childs second year. For an infant, when you are out of sight, you are gone forever. As your infant matures, she will learn through experience that you will return and she will begin to be more comfortable with separations. For some children, however, the thought of you or another caregiver leaving them is so overwhelming that they will do what they can to avoid separation. This is a separation anxiety disorder. In order for it to be diagnosed, symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with a childs daily functioning for at least four weeks. When a child starts to miss out on important things such as school and social activities to avoid a separation, it is considered to be SAD. SAD affects approximately 4% to 5% of children. Research has indicated that a high rate of children who develop SAD later develop a depressive disorder. With such a strong correlation between SAD and depression, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of both disorders and to seek out early treatment for your child. Symptoms of SAD According to Dr. Peter M. Lewinsohn, Ph.D., who published a study of SAD in The Journal of The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the underlying fear of a child with SAD is that he or his parent will be harmed, lost or gone forever as a result of the separation. Additional symptoms of SAD may be: Persistent worry about being separated from the parentRefusal to attend school or social events for fear of being separated from the parentWorry about something bad happening to a parent even when they are nearRefusal or hesitation to go to sleep aloneNightmares involving a theme of separationExcessive worry about being kidnapped, lost or kept from the parentComplaints of physical ailments, especially when separated from a parent (a headache, bellyache, generalized pain) How SAD Relates to Depression In Lewinsohns long-term study of children with SAD, he estimated that 75% of children with SAD developed depression by the age of 30. Though research hasnt proven that SAD is the cause of depression in these children, the association between the two is a substantial one. SAD and depression actually share many symptoms. Clinging to a parent, refusing to go to school and avoiding social activities, worrying that harm may come to self or a parent, and vague physical complaints such as a headache, bellyache, and general pain are common symptoms of both disorders. Again, the research findings do not suggest that all children with SAD will experience depression. Nor does it confirm why such a large number of children with SAD go on to develop depression. But given the findings, it is important for parents and clinicians to keep a close eye out for any depressive symptoms in children with SAD. What Parents Can Do Keep an eye out for additional signs of depression in children, including unexplained crying, feeling misunderstood, withdrawing from family or peers, losing interest in things of former interest, sleeping difficulties, appetite and weight changes, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, and thoughts or actions of self-harm. Talk to Your Child   Try talking to your child when they are at an age-appropriate level. Find out what he is scared of and why he doesnt want to leave you. What you hear may surprise you. Your child may have a simple complaint, which you can easily remedy. If it is something more serious (he is worried he will never see you again, for instance), you should consult with your childs physician. A recent tragic event, such as an earthquake or the death of a loved one, may temporarily disrupt your childs sense of security. In this case, providing your child with some extra attention may ease his anxiety. Prepare Your Child Prepare them for an upcoming event or separation. Explaining what will be happening, who will be there, how long he will be away from you and how he can reach you may help him feel more comfortable with separation. If your efforts, support, and compassion do not seem to be helping your child adjust to even short separations, you should consult with your childs physician. If you notice any symptoms of depression in your child, it is important to seek help. Depression is associated with serious short- and long-term consequences such as poor self-esteem, poor academic performance, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts and behavior. A Word From Verywell Remember, your child may go through phases when he is more in need of your attention and love, especially during times of significant stress or tragedy. However, given the high rate of depression in children with SAD, it is best to check with a physician if you have any concerns about your childs behavior.