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Separation Anxiety Disorder Specialist

Dr. Messina & Associates -  - Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Messina & Associates

Clinical Psychologists & Psychiatrists located in Southlake, TX & Flower Mound, TX

If your child displays excessive and inappropriate fear or distress about being apart from you or other loved ones, they may have separation anxiety disorder. Clinical psychologists treat separation anxiety in children and teenagers at Dr. Messina & Associates in Southlake, Texas, and Flower Mound, Texas. For compassionate treatment of separation anxiety disorder, call or book an appointment online today.

Separation Anxiety Disorder Q & A

What is separation anxiety disorder?

It’s normal for toddlers to experience a period of separation anxiety. Your toddler may cry the first time you drop them off at daycare or leave them with a babysitter. Most children outgrow this stage sometime around 3 years of age. 

Prolonged or intense separation anxiety that interferes with school or daily activities may be a sign of separation anxiety disorder. This anxiety can be focused on separation from a parent or other close caregiver. 

How do I know if my child has separation anxiety disorder?

Your child may have separation anxiety disorder if they experience fear and distress that’s inappropriate for their developmental age. Symptoms of separation anxiety disorder are more intense than typical separation anxiety and may include:

  • Recurrent nightmares about separation
  • Refusing to be away from home for fear of separation
  • Excessive and recurrent anxiety about being away from loved ones
  • Persistent worry about losing a parent or loved one to a disease or disaster
  • Constant worry that something bad will happen to cause separation from loved ones
  • Refusal to sleep away from home without a parent or loved one nearby

They may also complain of physical symptoms, like headaches or stomachaches, when they anticipate being separated from a loved one. 

Some children with separation anxiety disorder experience panic attacks, or sudden episodes of overwhelming terror that peak within several minutes. 

How is separation anxiety disorder diagnosed and treated?

Early diagnosis and treatment of separation anxiety disorder is the best way to prevent future problems with school, work, and social relationships. 

To diagnose separation anxiety disorder, the providers perform a comprehensive psychological evaluation. Then, they recommends the best course of treatment for your child’s specific condition. 

They use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), an effective form of psychotherapy for children with separation anxiety disorder. 

CBT teaches your child how to confront and control their fears about separation. This type of therapy also teaches the child’s parents and other caregivers how to effectively support and encourage their independence. 

To learn more about how CBT can help your child overcome separation anxiety disorder, call the office of Dr. Messina & Associates or book an appointment online today.

Offering exceptional care for anxiety and depression.
Call us to book your appointment today. 

Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dr. Messina & Associates, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Psychological Testing Dr. Messina & Associates, Psychological Testing

Psychological Testing

Online Counseling Dr. Messina & Associates, Online Counseling

Online Counseling

In-Person Counseling Dr. Messina & Associates, In-Person Counseling

In-Person Counseling

Psychiatry Dr. Messina & Associates, Psychiatry

Psychiatry

Telepsychiatry Dr. Messina & Associates, Telepsychiatry

Telepsychiatry

Psychiatric Medication Management Dr. Messina & Associates, Psychiatric Medication management

Psychiatric Medication Management

Anxiety Dr. Messina & Associates, Anxiety

Anxiety

Depression Dr. Messina & Associates, Depression

Depression

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Dr. Messina & Associates, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Dr. Messina & Associates, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Dr. Messina & Associates, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder Dr. Messina & Associates, Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Insomnia Dr. Messina & Associates, Insomnia

Insomnia

Panic Disorder Dr. Messina & Associates, Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder

Social Anxiety Dr. Messina & Associates, Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety

PTSD Dr. Messina & Associates, PTSD

PTSD

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder Dr. Messina & Associates, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Separation Anxiety Dr. Messina & Associates, Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety

Bipolar Disorder Dr. Messina & Associates, Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Mental Health Services Dr. Messina & Associates, Mental Health Services

Mental Health Services