The Sad Facts About Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) in Children
What do we think about the staggering numbers from reputable researchers that tells us our children are experiencing more anxiety than ever before?
Our kids are worried. They are worried about school performance, extra-curricular, social and health related problems. Did you know that approximately 41% of children and adolescents report separation concerns: 56% are concerned about safety (56!). 51% are afraid to sleep alone and 26% are afraid to be alone. Some children are also primarily concerned with possible abandonment or getting sick.
Does anyone find these numbers and this (clearly) real problem staggering?
Epidemiological studies have suggested that between 10 and 30% of children and adolescents report frequent headaches, stomach aches, and muscle/joint pain. We're talking about kids, folks!!
I'm pretty sure many of you already know what I'm about to say but for those who don't or those who want the latest data based on empirical research (Baumrind, 1989; Dumas, LaFreniere, & Serketich, 1995; Siqueland, Kendall & Steinberg 1996), here goes:
A number of studies with anxious youth has characterized their families as higher in control, conflict & lower in warmth and support than families of children who do not have internalizing problems. Such family environments may result in a diminished sense of personal control in the child and may facilitate the development of generalized psychological vulnerability characterized by an insecure/ambivalent resistant attachment (Fonagy, 1996).
Approximately 15-20% of 2 year-olds are classified as behaviorally inhibited. In addition, we see that research suggest that adults with Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia had higher rates of SAD as children, compared to other childhood disorders. Overall, it remains unclear whether SAD is exclusively associated with panic disorder or remains a general risk factor for anxiety disorders in adulthood.
Well, this is just the tip of the iceberg as relates to the data that research provides. I think, though, it is enough to "digest" for the moment. If an organism's ability to survive is based upon it's ability to adapt to it's environment, how are our children doing? Are they in crisis? Are we as aware as we need to be? Are we concerned, apathetic, irresponsible, accountable....
Our kids are worried. They are worried about school performance, extra-curricular, social and health related problems. Did you know that approximately 41% of children and adolescents report separation concerns: 56% are concerned about safety (56!). 51% are afraid to sleep alone and 26% are afraid to be alone. Some children are also primarily concerned with possible abandonment or getting sick.
Does anyone find these numbers and this (clearly) real problem staggering?
Epidemiological studies have suggested that between 10 and 30% of children and adolescents report frequent headaches, stomach aches, and muscle/joint pain. We're talking about kids, folks!!
I'm pretty sure many of you already know what I'm about to say but for those who don't or those who want the latest data based on empirical research (Baumrind, 1989; Dumas, LaFreniere, & Serketich, 1995; Siqueland, Kendall & Steinberg 1996), here goes:
A number of studies with anxious youth has characterized their families as higher in control, conflict & lower in warmth and support than families of children who do not have internalizing problems. Such family environments may result in a diminished sense of personal control in the child and may facilitate the development of generalized psychological vulnerability characterized by an insecure/ambivalent resistant attachment (Fonagy, 1996).
Approximately 15-20% of 2 year-olds are classified as behaviorally inhibited. In addition, we see that research suggest that adults with Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia had higher rates of SAD as children, compared to other childhood disorders. Overall, it remains unclear whether SAD is exclusively associated with panic disorder or remains a general risk factor for anxiety disorders in adulthood.
Well, this is just the tip of the iceberg as relates to the data that research provides. I think, though, it is enough to "digest" for the moment. If an organism's ability to survive is based upon it's ability to adapt to it's environment, how are our children doing? Are they in crisis? Are we as aware as we need to be? Are we concerned, apathetic, irresponsible, accountable....
posted by Kirk & Olivia at 10:26 AM
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