Anxiety

+ Common fears seen at different ages

• Toddlers: Separation from parent/caregiver, fear of strangers, people in costumes, loud noises and anything outside their control such as a ringing bell.
• 2-4 years: Separation from parent/caregiver/beloved pet, animals, loud noises, darkness, monsters and anything that is out of the ordinary like a relative with a new haircut.
• 5-6 years: Separation from parent/caregiver, darkness, monsters, strangers, nightmares getting lost, thunder and injury/illness.
• 7-12 years: School issues, social fears, heights, darkness, injury/illness and wars/global concerns.
• Teens: School issues, social and personal fears, fear of social judgement, wars, natural disasters, fear of missing out (FOMO)and failure.

+ How is anxiety diagnosed?

Our psychologists will work with you and your child to determine the presence of an anxiety disorder.

+ How is anxiety treated?

At Perth Family Psychology we use a Cognitive Behavioural(CBT) based treatment program. Our aim is to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and teach your child to eventually manage anxiety on their own. We think of this as being great preparation for life in general! We talk about building a toolbox filled different tools to use against anxiety and fear. Therapy will focus on facing fears rather than avoiding them and understanding that avoiding things that make us afraid only ends up making them stronger. Our therapy is very child-centric and tailored to the developmental stage/age of each child.

+ What is Separation Anxiety Disorder?

It is very normal for babies and young children to experience anxiety when they are away from their parents or caregivers. Nature intended it that way! Generally, children will outgrow this anxiety between the ages three to four. However, when children don’t overcome this anxiety and it appears intense or prolonged and starts to interfere with daily life, it could be they are experiencing Separation Anxiety Disorder.

Some signs of Separation Anxiety Disorder include:

• Missing lots of daycare/school - leaving their parents is too hard for both parties so staying home becomes the easier option.
• Constant, excessive worrying that something bad will happen to their parents or loved ones.
• Nightmares about separation.
• Sleep difficulties.
• Physical symptoms such as tummy aches or headaches when anticipating separation from parent/loved ones.
• Recurrent and excessive distress being away from home or loved ones (or anticipating it happening).
• Refusing to go to events or activities away from home or parents/loved ones.

+ How is Separation Anxiety diagnosed?

Our psychologists will determine the presence of an anxiety disorder by using a combination of assessments.

+ How is Separation Anxiety treated?

There are different options for the treatment of separation anxiety including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). During this therapy your child will learn how to manage their fears. Exposure therapy is often used in CBT, where the child is gradually exposed to their fear to help reduce anxiety over time but be assured this is nothing like what you may have seen at the movies! Exposure is gentle and appropriate and only commenced at the right stage of a evidence-based treatment schedule. Parents and school also play a very important role in the treatment of separation anxiety.