Questions and Answers
What duration is necessary for symptoms to be considered clinically significant in children for separation anxiety disorder?
What type of issues can clinically significant symptoms of separation anxiety disorder cause in an individual’s life?
Which of the following is NOT a primary symptom of separation anxiety disorder?
What is a necessary condition for diagnosing a disorder related to separation anxiety symptoms?
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How long do symptoms typically last in adults for separation anxiety disorder to be diagnosed?
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In which population is separation anxiety disorder most commonly observed?
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At what age do infants commonly start exhibiting signs of separation anxiety, indicating the development of secure attachment relationships?
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Which of the following life stresses is least likely to trigger separation anxiety disorder?
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What distinguishes separation anxiety disorder from generalized anxiety disorder?
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Which of the following factors is associated with an increased risk for developing separation anxiety disorder?
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In which developmental stage may separation anxiety disorder onset occur?
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What is a common emotional response during periods of heightened separation anxiety in young children?
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Which environmental factor is NOT commonly linked with the development of separation anxiety disorder?
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What might indicate the transition from normal separation anxiety to separation anxiety disorder?
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What is the approximate 12-month prevalence of separation anxiety disorder in children?
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In which age group is separation anxiety disorder the most prevalent?
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How does the prevalence of separation anxiety disorder change from childhood through adulthood?
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What is the primary concern in generalized anxiety disorder that differentiates it from separation anxiety disorder?
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Which gender shows a higher frequency of separation anxiety disorder in community samples?
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Which of these mental disorders involves refusal to go outside without a trusted companion?
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What is a key diagnostic feature that distinguishes separation anxiety disorder from other mental disorders?
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What is the estimated 12-month prevalence of separation anxiety disorder among adults?
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Study Notes
Separation Anxiety Disorder Overview
- Disturbance cannot be better explained by another mental disorder, such as autism or refusal to leave home.
- Differential diagnoses include psychotic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Prevalence
- 12-month prevalence among adults ranges from 0.9% to 1.9%.
- In children, the prevalence is approximately 4% over 6-12 months.
- In adolescents, prevalence is 1.6%.
- Most prevalent anxiety disorder in children under 12 years.
- Clinical samples show equal prevalence in males and females; community samples show higher rates in females.
Development and Course
- Heightened separation anxiety in early development is normal and signifies developing secure attachments (e.g., around 1 year, stranger anxiety).
- Onset can occur as early as preschool, continuing through childhood, and occasionally in adolescence.
Risk and Prognostic Factors
- Environmental stressors are significant risk factors for developing separation anxiety disorder, including:
- Loss of a relative or pet
- Illness (personal or relative)
- School changes or parental divorce
- Moving to a new area
- Immigration and related disasters
- Young adults may experience stress from leaving home, romantic relationships, or becoming a parent.
- Parental overprotection and intrusiveness can contribute to the disorder's development.
Differential Diagnosis
- Separation anxiety disorder is particularly characterized by anxiety related to separation from attachment figures.
- May include persistent reluctance to be alone or sleep without attachment figures.
- Complaints of physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, stomachaches) when separation is anticipated.
Major Diagnostic Criteria
- Symptoms must persist for at least 4 weeks in children and adolescents and typically for 6 months or more in adults.
- Disturbances must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, academic, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
- If not all major criteria are met, symptoms may exist without meeting the threshold for separation anxiety disorder.
- Clinical significance is crucial for diagnosis; symptoms should interfere with daily life.
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Description
Explore the nuances of psychotic disorders and how they relate to agoraphobia. This quiz delves into the features of these conditions, including symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. Understand how excessive resistance to change can impact mental health.
