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Objectives: The objective of this study was to specifically investigate Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), as one of the noteworthy disorders within the spectrum of anxiety disorders, among children and adolescents, after overcoming the crises caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Efforts were also made to identify socio-demographic factors that could be associated with changes in SAD level and also to assess the effect of different constituting dimensions of SAD on the severity of this disorder. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, face-to-face interviews were conducted with the parents of 317 (7-13-year-old) Iranian students, who were selected through a multi-stage random sampling method in the city of Shiraz. During the interviews, socio-demographic data were collected, and subsequently, SAD symptoms and dimensions were assessed using the Separation Anxiety Assessment Scale (Parent Version) (SAAS-P) questionnaire. Later, employing the Partition Around Medoids (PAM) statistical method, the participants were categorized into two groups with low and high levels of SAD. Also, to understand the interaction between the different dimensions of SAD, the network analysis method was employed. Finally, univariate analysis and logistic regression were utilized, with a significance level of 0.05, to determine potential associating factors with the level of SAD. Results: The sample included 128 girls and 189 boys with a mean age of 9.63 ± 2.63 and 9.63 ± 1.95 years respectively. Based on the PAM method, 51.1% of the participants presented a high level of SAD. According to network analysis, it was demonstrated that the "fear of abandonment" dimension plays a central role in high levels of SAD. Based on logistic regression, female gender, age ≥ 10 years, parents' unacademic educational background, mother's employment, and child's history of physical/mental problems were significantly associated with the high level of SAD. Conclusions: A considerable number of the participants in this study presented a high level of SAD with the "fear of abandonment" being a key influential dimension of elevated levels of this disorder. Maternal employment, female gender, child's history of health issues, and low parental education were identified as important contributors to the high SAD level. Considering these factors allows for more effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. However, the need for further studies remains crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: According to the World Health Organization, 20% of children and adolescents worldwide currently have mental health problems, but effective treatment coverage in this area is very low. Therefore, the application of evidence-based interventions for children with separation anxiety disorder is a fundamental necessity. Aims: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of play attachment therapy and play therapy based on the parent-child relationship on the psychological well-being of children with separation anxiety disorder. Methods: The method of the present study is quasi-experimental and a pre-test, post-test-follow-up design of 2 months was used to collect data. The statistical population of this study included all mothers and children aged five to six years old with separation anxiety who were enrolled in preschool centers or kindergartens in District 4 of Tehran in the academic year 2022-2023. An experimental group and a control group were assigned. The experimental groups received attachment-focused play therapy for 8 sessions of 90 minutes and play therapy based on parent-child relationships for 10 sessions of 120 minutes. To collect data, a psychological well-being questionnaire (Abed et al., 2016) was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS.24 software using repeated measure analysis of variance. Results: The results of repeated measure analysis of variance showed that each Attachment-based play therapy and parent-child relationship play therapy significantly improved the psychological well-being of children with separation anxiety disorder (P< 0.05). The results of Bonferroni's post hoc tests showed that there was no difference between Attachment-based play therapy and parent-child relationship play therapy in the post-test and follow-up stages. Conclusion: According to the above, and the relatively high prevalence of this disorder and its comorbidity with other disorders among children and adolescents, the use of evidence-based interventions such as Attachment-based play therapy and parent-child relationship play therapy can significantly reduce their psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Separation anxiety disorder is one of the most common psychological disorders in childhood. Parenting styles and parental anxiety are among the important risk factors that have been identified for the occurrence of separation anxiety disorder. A review of the research background shows that despite conducting various studies in Iran on the effectiveness of art therapy, especially painting, on reducing children's separation anxiety, There is a research gap regarding the effect of the combination of painting and parent-child interaction on children's separation anxiety. Aims: The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the efficacy of interactive painting methods based on parent-child relationship on the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder in 6-8 year old children. Methods: The current research design was a semi-experimental pre-test-post-test type with a control group and a three-month follow-up. The statistical population of this research included all 6-8 year old children with separation anxiety disorder in Isfahan city in the academic year of 2021-2022, who were enrolled in pre-primary centers and elementary School in Isfahan city. In order to select a statistical sample, in the first step, the Separation Anxiety Assessment Scale (Parent Version) was administered on 100 parents of children aged 6 to 8 years, and children with separation anxiety disorder were identified, And then 16 parents of children with separation anxiety disorder and their children were identified and randomly assigned to two experimental (8 people) and control (8 people) groups, the educational-therapeutic protocol was held in 13 sessions of 45 minutes (one session each week) for the members of the experimental group. The data collection tool in this study was the parents' version of Separation Anxiety Assessment Scale (Hahn et al., 2003). Also, to analyze the data in the present study, the method of analysis of variance with repeated measurements and SPSS-23 software was used. Results: The findings of the present study showed that interactive painting methods based on parent-child relationship reduce the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder and its components (fear of being alone, fear of abandonment, fear of physical illness and worry about calamitous events) It has an effective and significant effect on children aged 6-8 years (P<0.05) and the effect of this training has continued in the follow-up phase. Conclusion: Considering the confirmation of the efficacy of interactive drawing methods based on parentchild relationship on reducing separation anxiety disorder in 6-8 year old children in the present study, it is suggested, School counselors and specialized child counseling centers should use this educationaltherapeutic method to reduce the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder in children. Also, in terms of the importance of parent-child interaction, the aforementioned educational-therapeutic program can be used to strengthen the parent-child relationship in the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to specifically investigate Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), as one of the noteworthy disorders within the spectrum of anxiety disorders, among children and adolescents, after overcoming the crises caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Efforts were also made to identify socio-demographic factors that could be associated with changes in SAD level and also to assess the effect of different constituting dimensions of SAD on the severity of this disorder. Methods In this cross-sectional study, face-to-face interviews were conducted with the parents of 317 (7-13-year-old) Iranian students, who were selected through a multi-stage random sampling method in the city of Shiraz. During the interviews, socio-demographic data were collected, and subsequently, SAD symptoms and dimensions were assessed using the Separation Anxiety Assessment Scale (Parent Version) (SAAS-P) questionnaire. Later, employing the Partition Around Medoids (PAM) statistical method, the participants were categorized into two groups with low and high levels of SAD. Also, to understand the interaction between the different dimensions of SAD, the network analysis method was employed. Finally, univariate analysis and logistic regression were utilized, with a significance level of 0.05, to determine potential associating factors with the level of SAD. Results The sample included 128 girls and 189 boys with a mean age of 9.63 ± 2.63 and 9.63 ± 1.95 years respectively. Based on the PAM method, 51.1% of the participants presented a high level of SAD. According to network analysis, it was demonstrated that the “fear of abandonment” dimension plays a central role in high levels of SAD. Based on logistic regression, female gender, age ≥ 10 years, parents’ unacademic educational background, mother’s employment, and child’s history of physical/mental problems were significantly associated with the high level of SAD. Conclusions A considerable number of the participants in this study presented a high level of SAD with the “fear of abandonment” being a key influential dimension of elevated levels of this disorder. Maternal employment, female gender, child’s history of health issues, and low parental education were identified as important contributors to the high SAD level. Considering these factors allows for more effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. However, the need for further studies remains crucial.

Separation anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in teenagers that causes severe physical and mental disorders. The aim of this study was investigated effect of Intensive Dovanlo's short-term Daynamic Psychotrapy on The Quality of Object Relations and Defense Mechanisms in Adolescents White Separation Anxiety Disorder. This study was experimental method with pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The study’s population consisted of all male students of the second High school with separation anxiety disorder from khalkhal city during the academic year 2021-2022. Among these, 30 number of students with separation anxiety disorder based on March et al.'s separation anxiety questionnaire (1997) and the structured clinical interview and other inclusion criteria the research were selected and random assignment and placed in two experimental and control groups (15 people in each group).The experimental group was trained 10 sessions of 60 minutes under a short-term in Dovanlo's short-term Daynamic Psychotrapy. Bell's (1995) thematic relationship questionnaires and Andrews et al.'s (1993) defense mechanisms questionnaires were used for both groups in the pre- and post-test stages. Research data were analyzed by multivariate covariance analysis. The results showed that Dovanlo's short-term Daynamic Psychotrapy can significantly improve the quality of Object relationships and reduce Defense Mechanisms in Adolescents. Based on this, the using of Dovanlo's short-term Daynamic Psychotrapy can help students with separation anxiety disorder in reducing psychological problems and increasing the quality of relationships. Keywords: Dovanlo's short-term Daynamic Psychotrapy, Object Relations, Defense Mechanisms, Separation Anxiety Disorder. Extended Abstract Introduction Separation anxiety disorder is considered to be one of the most common mental disorders in adolescence, which affects 6-20% of children and adolescents in developed countries (Hannesdottir, 2018). Among the factors related to the phenomenon of anxiety, two important cases can be mentioned. One is object relations, which means the person's representations of himself and others and the factors associated with these representations (Handelzalts et al., 2014) or the person's capacity to establish relationships in the early years of life (Kelly, 2014). Another variable is the defense mechanisms that the adolescent with separation anxiety disorder resorts to underdeveloped and maladaptive defense mechanisms in order to control his anxiety due to the experience of rejection from parents and great anxiety in interpersonal situations (Giuseppe et al., 2019; Ciocca, et al., 2017; Abbasi et al., 2014). Findings suggest that Intensive Dovanlo's short-term dynamic psychotherapy is an effective treatment for adolescents with anxiety disorders who did not respond adequately to previous standard treatments (Çitak et al., 2021; Bosh & Miler, 2015; Keefe et al., 2014). In this treatment, it is on the unconscious that by breaking the resistance and by producing mental images and vivid memories of the unconscious content, light shines on the core structure of the unconscious (Glisson et al., 2018). Despite the importance of thematic relationships and defense mechanisms in separation anxiety and the effect of intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy, researches about these two variables in adolescents with separation anxiety disorder are few, and on the other hand, the effectiveness of this treatment method in the society of men with addiction, borderline personality disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety and Separation Anxiety. This is while teenagers also suffer from separation anxiety disorder and experience many problems in family relationships, school, social functioning, isolation, and lack of motivation. Research Question Does Intensive Dovanlo's short-term dynamic psychotherapy have an effect on the quality of object relations and defense mechanisms of adolescent boys with separation anxiety disorder? Literature Review Mikaili and Moulai (2019) stated that there is a significant negative relationship between separation anxiety disorder and developed defense mechanisms, and a significant positive relationship between neurotic and underdeveloped defense mechanisms. As a result, underdeveloped defense mechanisms were confirmed as predictors of separation anxiety disorder. The results of Meskarian et al.'s research findings (2015) indicated that through short-term intensive dynamic psychotherapy, with a focus on communication patterns, while improving the quality of thematic relationships, anxiety decreased, which shows the usefulness of this treatment method. Prout et al. (2019), stated that psychodynamic therapy can target maladaptive defense mechanisms and improve self-regulation capacity, increase flexibility, and improve interpersonal relationships. Parisuz et al. (2019), observed that short-term intensive dynamic psychotherapy reduces negative emotions and improves interpersonal processes. Methodology The current research is an experimental study with a pre-test-post-test and control group design in terms of practical purpose and in terms of research design. The statistical population of the research included all male students of the second secondary school with separation anxiety disorder in Khalkhal city in the academic year of 1400-1401. Multi-stage cluster random sampling method was used to collect data after obtaining a code of ethics (IR.GULAN.REC.1401.007) from the University of Guilan. Thus, firstly, all secondary schools of Khalkhal city (8 high schools and conservatories) were selected, and in the next step, 3 classes of 10th, 11th, and 12th grades were randomly selected from each school. Then the members of these classes (480 students) were examined with the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale (March et al., 1997) and 34 people who obtained a cutoff score ≥ 60 were identified, then a structured clinical interview of anxiety symptoms was conducted with them. A structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety Symptoms (Shear et al., 2002) was conducted and among them, 30 teenagers with separation anxiety disorder were randomly placed in two experimental and control groups (15 people in each group) and the experimental group had 10 sessions and each session lasted for 90 minutes one by one and according to a predetermined schedule, they were subjected to Intensive Dovanlo's short-term dynamic psychotherapy. After that, the Bell Object Relations Inventory (1995) and the Defense Style Questionnaire (Andrews et al., 1993) were conducted for both groups. It is necessary to explain that at the beginning, in a briefing meeting and stating the objectives of the research, consent was received from the students and their parents to participate in the research, and the researcher assured the participants that all the materials presented in the therapy sessions and the results of the questionnaires will be confidential. In this research, the treatment program was carried out by the researcher who received the necessary training in this field. Results Table 1. The results of MANCOVA of the sub-scales of object relationship OP Eta P F MS DF SS variables 1 813/0 001/0 21/104 13/139 1 13/139 Egocentricity group 52/0 156/0 046/0 43/4 03/9 1 03/9 Alienation 1 541/0 001/0 24/28 06/41 1 06/41 Insecure Attachment 77/0 246/0 010/0 83/7 44/7 1 44/7 Social Incompetence Table 2. The results of MANCOVA of subscales of defense mechanisms OP Eta P F MS DF SS variables 1 591/0 001/0 05/36 60/1472 1 60/1472 Mature styles group 1 778/0 001/0 69/87 53/1975 1 53/1975 Neurotic styles 1 566/0 001/0 64/32 18/1495 1 18/1495 Immature styles Discussion The results showed that Intensive Dovanlo's short-term dynamic psychotherapycan significantly improve the quality of object relationships and reduce the maladaptive defense mechanisms of adolescents with separation anxiety disorder.The studies of Meskarian et al. (2015), Parisuz et al. (2019), and Prout et al. (2019) are in line with the findings of this research.In explaining this finding, it can be said that in this method, the therapist by establishing a sincere and safe environment, building capacity, and rebuilding primitive defenses, stimulates the unconscious therapeutic alliance, which is an antidote to alienation, insecure attachment, social incompetence, and self-centeredness.Also, in the treatment sessions, with the experience of intimate relationships, the capacity of emotional insight into past problems is acquired, and it reduces self-centeredness and social incompetence caused by previous bitter experiences.Dynamic psychotherapy creates more adaptive defense styles and the patient's pathological symptoms improve due to the change in his defense styles.In this way, in this therapeutic method, the teenager learns to experience his feelings and becomes aware of the defenses and behavior that cause the suppression of feelings, therefore, he does not see the need to use inappropriate defenses in various situations to hide his feelings. Conclusion In general, it can be said that since adolescents with separation anxiety disorder, due to the fear of rejection and loss of loved ones, experience problems in recognizing and describing emotions and communicating emotions according to the conditions, in short-term intensive dynamic psychotherapy, the capacity for insight is acquired regarding past problems and it reduces self-centeredness and improves subject relationships. On the other hand, in this therapeutic approach, people face their feelings and learn more logical ways to cope with their experiences and feelings, which reduces incompatible mechanisms. Due to time limitations, the follow-up period was omitted, which can lead to the generalization of the results with caution, therefore, it is suggested that future researches be conducted with the follow-up period in order to determine the effect of this intervention on the considered variables more precisely. Acknowledgments The authors of the article sincerely thank and appreciate the cooperation and assistance of all education officials of Khalkhal City and especially the patient students participating in this research.

Separation anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in teenagers that causes severe physical and mental disorders. The aim of this study was investigated effect of Intensive Dovanlo's short-term Daynamic Psychotrapy on The Quality of Object Relations and Defense Mechanisms in Adolescents White Separation Anxiety Disorder. This study was experimental method with pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The study’s population consisted of all male students of the second High school with separation anxiety disorder from khalkhal city during the academic year 2021-2022. Among these, 30 number of students with separation anxiety disorder based on March et al.'s separation anxiety questionnaire (1997) and the structured clinical interview and other inclusion criteria the research were selected and random assignment and placed in two experimental and control groups (15 people in each group).The experimental group was trained 10 sessions of 60 minutes under a short-term in Dovanlo's short-term Daynamic Psychotrapy. Bell's (1995) thematic relationship questionnaires and Andrews et al.'s (1993) defense mechanisms questionnaires were used for both groups in the pre- and post-test stages. Research data were analyzed by multivariate covariance analysis. The results showed that Dovanlo's short-term Daynamic Psychotrapy can significantly improve the quality of Object relationships and reduce Defense Mechanisms in Adolescents. Based on this, the using of Dovanlo's short-term Daynamic Psychotrapy can help students with separation anxiety disorder in reducing psychological problems and increasing the quality of relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between attachment styles and Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) through the internalized symptoms and stress coping strategies in badly-cared and orphan adolescent girls living in Tehran in 2022. Method: This was a correlational study of a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) type. The statistical population included all adolescent girls aged between 12 and 18 under the direct or indirect supervision of Tehran's welfare center, of whom 200 were selected by the convenience sampling method. The participants answered the questionnaires of Collins and Reed's attachment styles, Billings and Moss's coping strategies, Achenbach and Rascorella's adolescent self-report, and Morris et al.'s SAD. Results: The findings of SEM demonstrated that the hypothesized model of this study has a good fit in the studied sample. The findings reveal that the secure attachment style is related to separation anxiety both directly (T=-4.18 and b=-.22) and indirectly through problem-oriented coping style (P<.01 and Z=-10.83) and emotion-oriented coping style (P<.01 and Z=-7.23). Avoidant attachment style is directly (T=4.98 and b=.25) and indirectly related to separation anxiety through problem-oriented coping style (P<.01 and Z=4.33) and emotion-oriented coping style (P<.01 and Z=8.79) and internalized symptoms (P<.01 and Z=2.61). Finally, ambivalent attachment style had no significant correlation (P>.05) with separation anxiety. Conclusion: These results emphasize the importance of attachment patterns formed under the influence of adverse conditions of the vulnerable group, and the lifelong effects of these patterns in the mental health of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of electronic mental health literacy among parents of preschool children and to investigate the relationship between their literacy level and their knowledge of common mental health disorders and their children's problems. Methods: Survey data were collected from 14 preschool children in Zanjan City and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Parents completed online mental health status questionnaires about their knowledge of common mental health disorders among children. Results: The results indicated that the electronic mental health literacy of parents was high, while their knowledge of their children's mental health disorders was low. Only 8.6% of them were able to correctly diagnose all three disorders presented, and among them, 40% diagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, 20% diagnosed autism, and 6.35% diagnosed separation anxiety disorder. Parents with high levels of electronic mental health literacy were receptive to professional help and sought information to solve their children's behavioral problems. Children of parents with low electronic mental health literacy were more likely to experience higher rates of mental disorders. The risk of children of parents with low electronic mental health literacy being more prone to mental disorders. Conclusions: The research findings are used to inform stakeholders about the use of online resources in diagnosing children's mental health status and promoting timely intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of adult separation anxiety disorder and specific phobia in the general population, along with identifying the factors associated with these two disorders. Material and Method: The study was carried out in the Selçuklu district, encompassing 28 of the 34 family health centers selected through a simple random sampling method. The study sample included 1,218 individuals over 18, chosen using a systematic sampling approach by skipping one resident from each neighborhood covered by the family health unit. After collecting the sociodemographic data, face-to-face diagnostic interviews were performed using the Structured Clinical Interviews for Separation Anxiety Symptoms (SCI-SAS) for ASAD and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) for specific phobia assessment. Results: The study revealed that the lifetime prevalence of ASAD was 5.9%, with a point prevalence of 1.5%, while the lifetime prevalence of specific phobia was 11.3%. The application rates for the treatment of both disorders were very low and clinicians demonstrated limited recognition of ASAD. ASAD was correlated with female gender, low income, childhood traumatic experiences, migraine presence, and family history of serious illness. On the other hand, specific phobia was associated with female gender and family history of psychiatric disease. Conclusion: Despite the high prevalence of both disorders, the alarming rates of clinical recognition and treatment underscore the need to develop health policies and awareness programs aimed at promoting early diagnosis and treatment.

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of adult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD) and specific phobia in the general population along with identifying the factors associated with these two disorders. Material and Method: The study was carried out in the Selçuklu district, encompassing 28 of the 34 family health centers selected through a simple random sampling method. The study sample included 1,218 individuals over 18 years old, chosen using a systematic sampling approach by skipping one resident from each neighborhood covered by the family health unit. After collecting the sociodemographic data, face-to-face diagnostic interviews were performed using the Structured Clinical Interviews for Separation Anxiety Symptoms (SCI-SAS) for ASAD and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) for specific phobia assessment. Results: The study revealed that the lifetime prevalence of ASAD was 5.9%, with a point prevalence of 1.5% while the lifetime prevalence of specific phobia was 11.3%. The application rates for the treatment of both disorders were very low and clinicians demonstrated limited recognition of ASAD. ASAD was correlated with female gender, low income, childhood traumatic experiences, migraine presence and family history of serious illness. On the other hand, specific phobia was associated with female gender and family history of psychiatric disease. Conclusion: Despite the high prevalence of both disorders, the alarming rates of clinical recognition and treatment underscore the need to develop health policies and awareness programs aimed at promoting early diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is a prevalent psychological disorder among preschoolers, characterized by excessive fear or anxiety related to separation from a primary attachment figure. The COVID-19 pandemic likely exacerbated the problem due to the transition to online schooling. While some attention has been given to treating SAD, most current solutions are non-technical and based on behavior analytic research which can be costly and time-consuming. Mediated social touch, which uses technology to simulate physical touch and deliver it remotely, has been extensively studied for its potential to promote wellbeing, enhance social connectedness, and improve affective experiences in various contexts. However, no research has focused on the use of such technology to manage SAD in preschoolers. To address this gap, this work presents the design, development, and evaluation of a novel mediated social touch system aimed at managing separation anxiety in preschoolers. Specifically, the study investigates the effectiveness of using IoT in huggable interfaces and game-based applications in improving children's emotional state and adaptation to the kindergarten environment. Through experiments conducted on a sample of nearly 30 preschoolers, the results have shown that the system is effective in helping preschoolers adapt to kindergarten, with the best results achieved when using the huggable interface and the developed game together. The implications of this study may be beneficial to parents, educators, and mental health professionals who work with preschoolers who experience SAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on separation anxiety disorder (SAD) presented two contentious issues relating to its assessment. First, studies are scarce in assessing the symptom structure of DSM-5 SAD among the adult population. Second, the accuracy in assessing the severity of SAD through measuring the intensity of disturbance and the frequency of occurrence of symptoms is yet to be studied. To address these limitations, the present study aimed to: (1) examine the latent factor structure of the newly developed separation anxiety disorder symptom severity inventory (SADSSI); (2) evaluate the necessity of using frequency or intensity formats through comparison of differences in the latent level; and (3) investigate SAD latent class analysis. Utilizing 425 left-behind emerging adults (LBA), the findings showed that a general factor with two dimensions (i.e., response formats) measuring frequency and intensity symptom severity separately has excellent fit and good reliability. Finally, the latent class analysis yielded a three-class solution best fitting to the data. Overall, the data provided evidence for the psychometric soundness of SADSSI as an assessment tool for separation anxiety symptoms among LBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effectiveness of child-centered group play therapy (CCGPT) and narrative therapy in reducing separation anxiety disorder (SAD) and boosting social-emotional behaviours in early childhood (2.5-4-year-olds). An 8-week-randomized controlled trial design with three intervention groups, i.e. CCGPT, narrative therapy, and a combination of both interventions (i.e. combined group), and one control group that provided data at a pre-test and post-test, was adopted. A total of 48 children who showed signs of SAD participated in the study. Results showed that compared to the control group, CCGPT and combined group interventions showed a lower separation anxiety level. Children in all three intervention groups showed lower behavioural problems and higher prosocial behaviours than the control group. The findings suggest that the three interventions could be effective selective psychotherapy methods to promote social-emotional competencies. The CCGPT and combined group, particularly, were effective psychotherapy methods for reducing SAD in early childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report a case involving a 10-year-old Vietnamese girl who developed hematohidrosis during the coronavirus disease quarantine. She was hospitalized with a 3-week recurrent bleeding on the abdominal skin. Physical examination revealed no signs of injuries on the skin. Hematological and biochemical test results and coagulation profiles were all within normal ranges. No abnormal findings were observed on abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography. Numerous erythrocytes were observed during the microscopic examination of fluid samples from the abdominal skin. It was speculated that hematohidrosis was precipitated by separation anxiety disorder, because the onset and remission of symptoms correlated with the beginning and end of the local quarantine, respectively. Our case report and brief literature review highlight the transient and benign nature of hematohidrosis. Although specific guidelines are not well established, hematohidrosis is a transient phenomenon that is treatable with pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions, and its overall prognosis is favorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have examined the symptoms of anxiety among students in Nigeria. This article describes the prevalence, severity, and gender differences in symptoms of anxiety, as well as factors that engender fear and anxiety among public versus private secondary school students in Nigeria. A convenience sample of 502 students from three private and five public secondary schools in southwest Nigeria completed a questionnaire and anxiety scale in the classroom. Findings show that symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (n = 104, 20.7%) and fear of physical injury (n = 60, 12%) were the most and least frequently reported, respectively. Similarly, public school students were more likely than private school students to report symptoms of anxiety. From the qualitative responses, fear and anxiety about the future and academic pressure (n = 27, 24.3%) emerged as the major thing students were really afraid of. More female and public-school students reported being anxious about many things than their male and private school counterparts. Identifying symptoms of anxiety among students is critical to determining educational policies for improving their educational outcomes. Understanding school differences in symptoms of anxiety may help bridge the gap in learning outcomes among students in private and public schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Father involvement in parenting is an important factor in the process of children’s growth and development.This study aims to explore and find out how fathers are involved in parenting the children with separationanxiety disorder. The qualitative method is employed in this research. This study included structuredinterviews for data collection. Purposive sampling was used to choose participants. Three fathers whosechildren with Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) involved in this study. The results showed that theinvolvement of fathers in childcare plays an essential role in the development of children with SAD. Fathershave done a good role in parenting for SAD children, as well as a good relationship between fatherand children with SAD. Fathers have varied activities to stimulate their SAD children, such as positivecommunication comes from fathers to their children. Fathers give good understanding to their childrenand provide follow-up on their parenting participation and involvement. This study contribute to themodel of father involvement in special needs children, especially children with separation anxiety disorder.

The purpose of the present study was evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy based on "coping cat" program in treatment of separation anxiety disorder (SAD) in aged 8-13 children. The research design was quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest, follow-up with the control group. The statistical population included all students aged 8-13 (boys and girls) with SAD symptoms at schools in Songhor city in 2022. By purposeful sampling method, 36 children were selected and assigned equally to experimental and control groups. After performing the separation anxiety scale (parental version), as pre-test, the experimental group received 16 sessions one-hour of treatment two sessions per week. Then, post-test was performed and 2 months later, follow-up test was performed. Data were analyzed by mixed analysis of variance with repeated measure. The results showed that experimental group scores, compared with the control group, had a significant decrease in the post-test stage. Also, therapeutic gains had maintained in the follow-up stage. It can be concluded that cognitive-behavioral therapy based on "coping cat" program can reduce the symptoms of SAD in children. It is recommended to be used by psychotherapists in the treatment of SAD.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of emotion regulation training on adaptive/social behaviors of adolescents with separation anxiety disorder. The research method was quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test design with a control group. Participants in the study were 20 adolescents with separation anxiety who were identified among the adolescents studying in the first and second grades of Tehran School of Art and Literature in the academic year 2019-2020 and were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups of 10 adolescents. The experimental group received the Gross model emotion regulation training in 8 sessions of 90 minutes individually, but the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were collected using March et al.'s (1997) Separation Anxiety Inventory and Spence et al.'s (2002) Adaptive / Social Performance Questionnaire, in pretest and post-test. Research data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance. The results of the analysis of covariance showed that emotion regulation training was effective in increasing adaptive/social behaviors in adolescents with a separation anxiety disorder (ρ

Here, we report a case involving a 10-year-old Vietnamese girl who developed hematohidrosis during the coronavirus disease quarantine. She was hospitalized with a 3-week recurrent bleeding on the abdominal skin. Physical examination revealed no signs of injuries on the skin. Hematological and biochemical test results and coagulation profiles were all within normal ranges. No abnormal findings were observed on abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography. Numerous erythrocytes were observed during microscopic examination of fluid samples from the abdominal skin. It was speculated that hematohidrosis was precipitated by separation anxiety disorder, because the onset and remission of symptoms correlated with the beginning and end of the local quarantine, respectively. Our case report and brief literature review highlight the transient and benign nature of hematohidrosis. Although specific guidelines are not well established, hematohidrosis is a transient phenomenon that is treatable with pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions, and its overall prognosis is favorable.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of emotion regulation training on adaptive/social behaviors of adolescents with separation anxiety disorder. The research method was quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test design with a control group. Participants in the study were 20 adolescents with separation anxiety who were identified among the adolescents studying in the first and second grades of Tehran School of Art and Literature in the academic year 2019-2020 and were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups of 10 adolescents. The experimental group received the Gross model emotion regulation training in 8 sessions of 90 minutes individually, but the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were collected using March et al.'s (1997) Separation Anxiety Inventory and Spence et al.'s (2002) Adaptive / Social Performance Questionnaire, in pretest and post-test. Research data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance. The results of the analysis of covariance showed that emotion regulation training was effective in increasing adaptive/social behaviors in adolescents with a separation anxiety disorder (ρ <0.001). According to the findings, it seems that emotion regulation training can be used to manage anxiety and increase adaptive behaviors in adolescents with separation anxiety disorder as a complementary education program along with other treatment methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Separation anxiety disorder is considered as the most common anxiety disorder in childhood. Failure to treat this disorder in early age can be converted into a risk factor for childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders. Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the effect of parent-child interaction therapyon reducing the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder among the nurses' children aged between 3 and 6 years old working in educational hospitals in Qazvin. Methods: The intervention was designed as pre- and post-test along with the control group. The sample included 67 children aged 3 - 6 years' old who were divided into intervention and control groups using the blocking method. The intervention consists of three steps: child directed interaction, bravery directed interaction and parent directed interaction which was performed for 8 sessions per weak. No intervention was performed for the control group. The obtained data were collected using the Spence questionnaire (parents' version) and the results were evaluated. Results: Intervention therapy significantly reduced the symptoms of separation anxiety in the intervention group at the post-test stage compared to the control group. The mean of separation anxiety decreased from 10.82±0.62 to 7.69±0.52 in the intervention group. Conclusions: Parent-child interaction therapy can be used as an effective treatment plan to reduce the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder among preschool children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Behavioral Inhibition (BI) is an early temperamental trait characterized by shyness, withdrawal, avoidance, uneasiness, and fear of unfamiliar situations, people, objects, and events. The DSM-5 refers to behavioral inhibition as a temperamental factor related to neurodevelopmental conditions in childhood, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, selective mutism, and specific phobias; and to its influence on adult anxiety disorders including social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder, but, interestingly, not separation anxiety disorder (SAD). However, there are phenomenological overlaps between BI and SAD. We aimed to explore whether there is a correlation between BI as an early temperamental trait and childhood or adult separation anxiety disorder. Methods: The study was conducted in 377 consecutive adults (mean age 40.2±12.4 years) outpatients with anxiety and mood disorders as the principal diagnosis, grouped on the presence/absence of a DSM-5 diagnosis of childhood or adult separation anxiety disorder. Separation anxiety was assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety (SCI-SAS) and the Adult Separation Anxiety Checklist (ASA27). Behavioral inhibition was assessed by the Retrospective Self-Report of Inhibition (RSRI). Results: The four comparison groups included: 1) 168 patients without childhood or adult SAD, 2) 81 with adult SAD, 3) 97 with both adult SAD and childhood SAD, and 4) 31 with childhood SAD only. The group with both adult and childhood SAD had the highest scores on RSRI total and sub-scale scores. Both groups with adult SAD had significantly higher RSRI scores than the group with only childhood SAD or without SAD. Significant bivariate correlations were found between ASA-27 scores and RSRI scores. Correlations between RSRI scores and measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms were significantly weaker than those on the ASA-27. Regression analyses showed a significant predictive value of RSRI scores on ASA-27 total score, but not of age of onset of SAD. Conclusions: BI has an onset in the very first years of life and may represent a potential developmental endophenotype for later anxiety disorders. Our findings indicate that BI and separation anxiety are connected in individuals with affective and anxiety disorders. This may have important clinical and therapeutic implications for preventive interventions.

Background: The present article aims to investigate the relationships between Separation Anxiety Disorder (SEPAD), anxiety sensitivity, and childhood traumatic life experiences (CTLE) in a sample of medical students. Methods: The sample of this study consisted of 369 young adults. The Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety Symptoms (SCI-SAS) was applied for all participants by researchers. Participants were asked to fill in the socio-demographic form, Separation Anxiety Symptoms Inventory, Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire, Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Results: The rate of those with significant childhood SEPAD is 14.9% (n: 55), the rate of those with adult SEPAD is 20.1% (n: 74) in the present study. A statistically significant difference was found in emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and physical abuse sub-scores between participants who met childhood or adult SEPAD criteria of SCI-SAS and those who did not. Moreover, all anxiety sensitivity scores were significantly higher in both groups who met childhood or adult SEPAD criteria than those who did not meet the childhood or adult SEPAD criteria. Limitations: A limitation of our study is that since we investigated participants based on retrospective recall of childhood SEPAD criteria, this lead to being subject to memory and reporting biases. Second, we measure anxiety sensitivity and CTLE on scales by self-report, sometimes it can cause misinformation. Conclusions: SEPAD may be diagnosed commonly in a medical student sample. Moreover, CTLE and anxiety sensitivity may have a key role in the progress of SEPAD.

Background: Various studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of filial-therapy and child-centered play in improving children's emotional and behavioral disorders, but little research has been done to compare the effectiveness of these two methods on theory of mind. Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of these two types of treatments on the levels of theory of mind. in children with separation anxiety disorder. Method: The method was quasi-experimental with pretest and posttest in three groups. The statistical population consisted of all female students (2732 students) in the fifth and sixth grades of Babol in the second semester (2018-2019). Based on the entry and exit criteria, 45 people were selected by convenience sampling as a statistical sample and randomly divided into three experimental groups and control group, each group consisting of 15 students. The first experimental group received child-centered play therapy with Axline approach (1969) in sixteen 45-minute sessions, the second experimental group received filial therapy training (Landreth, 1993) in ten 2 hour sessions. The research instruments were Questionnaire (d), the children Symptoms inventory (CSI-4) and the Stearrman Theory of Mind Questionnaire (1992). Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance using SPSS. Result: The results showed that both interventions Were effective in improving the levels of theory of mind in children with separation anxiety disorder. Moreover, there was significant difference between the effectiveness of the experimental groups of filial therapy and child-centered play therapy at level 1, and the filial therapy was more effective. But there was no significant difference between the two experimental groups at levels 2 and 3 (p< 0/05). Conclusions: The results showed that parenting play therapy training can be considered as a better alternative in improving the levels of mind theory as well as improving the psychological symptoms of children with separation anxiety disorder; This study also confirms that timely identification and treatment of this disorder should be one of the important activities of child mental health professionals so planning to prevent and treat the disorder is a priority.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of multidimensional treatment of Lazarus on self-esteem and adjustment of children with separation anxiety disorder. The research method was quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest design with control group. The statistical population included all children with separation anxiety disorder who referred to Ibn Sina Hospital in Mashhad in 2018. 16 of them were selected by convenience sampling method and then based on random assignment of individuals to two experimental and control groups, each group (8 people) were appointed. Subjects answered the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire (1965), the Spence Anxiety Questionnaire (1997), and the Sinha and Singh Students' Adjustment Questionnaire (1993). While the control group did not receive any intervention during this period. Research data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance. The results of univariate analysis of covariance showed that multidimensional treatment of Lazarus increased self-esteem and adaptation of children with separation anxiety disorder in the experimental group compared to the control group. Based on this, it can be concluded that the multifaceted treatment of Lazarus by relying on 7 different dimensions and influencing it, can be an effective way to treat separation anxiety disorder and increase self-esteem and compromise in these children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is a condition in which a child becomes fearful and nervous when away from home or separated from parent or another caregiver whom the child is attached (1). Some children may develop physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches when thought of being separated (2). The fear of separation causes great distress to the child and may lead to interfere with their normal activities like going to kindergartens or playing with other children (3). Few publishing on preschool SAD in Iraq. This was the impetus to carry out this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To study the clinical manifestations of separation anxiety disorder (SAD) in adults with nonpsychotic mental disorders. Materials and methods. A clinical psychopathological method, clinical interviews (MINI), structured clinical interviews for separation anxiety symptoms (SCI-SAS), and psychometric methods for assessment of separation anxiety (ASA-27), nonspecific anxiety (HARS), attachment style (ECR), personality (PID-5 scale), and quality of life (Q-LES-Q) were used to investigate 50 out-patients with SAD aged over 18 years. Results and conclusions. Two clinical variants of the disorder were identified – affective and cognitive-behavioral, as were two variants of the course – with childhood onset and with manifestation in adulthood, which differed in terms of the spectrum of comorbidities, the figures and styles of attachments, and personality characteristics; correlational relationships and prognoses were also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of the parent-child interaction intervention program and the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder in children. However, research that has addressed the effectiveness of the parent-child interaction intervention program based on emotion coaching on symptoms of separation anxiety disorder has been overlooked. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the parent-child interaction intervention program based on emotion coaching on the symptoms of separation anxiety disorder in children. Method: Experimental research with pre-test-post-test design with Yood control group. The statistical population of the study included all female primary school girls in District 10(1282 person) in the academic year of 2019-2020. Thirty students were randomly selected for cluster sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups (15 subjects). The research tools are: Measurement of Separation Anxiety Scale (Parent-Child Version, Han, Hajinlian, Essen, Wender and Pinkas, 2003) and Parent-Child Interactive Intervention Program Based on Emotional Coaching (Researcher Made, 2019). Data analysis was performed using multivariate and single variable covariance analysis (MANCOVA). Results: The parent-child interaction intervention program based on emotion coaching was significantly effective in reducing the fear of liberation, fear of loneliness, fear of disease and worry about the occurrence of dangerous events (P< 0/01). Conclusions: Students who participated in the parent-child interaction intervention program based on emotion coaching had fewer symptoms of separation anxiety disorder.

Background: Children suffer from a high prevalence of anxiety problems that require prompt treatment. It has been demonstrated that ketamine offers rapid anti-anxiety effects. This study aimed to evaluate ketamine's anti-anxiety impact in the treatment of children with school-refusal separation anxiety disorder. Materials and Methods: In this open-labeled randomized clinical trial, 71 children (6-10 years) diagnosed with school refusal separation anxiety disorder were randomly assigned to two groups; a case group, who received ketamine at a weekly rising dose of 0.1 to 1 mg/kg; the control group treated with Fluvoxamine (25 mg/day), which could increase to 200 mg/day if necessary. The SCARED and CATS questionnaires were used to assess anxiety before treatment, at the 8th and 16th weeks of intervention. The data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of covariance. Results: The mean anxiety scores in the eighth week (19.7 ± 16.1) were significantly lower in the ketamine group than before (31.5 ± 10.8). Until the sixteenth week (19.4 ± 14.6), there was no further decrease in scores in the ketamine group, in the fluvoxamine group, pre-treatment scores (36.3 ± 16.5) and eighth week (36.9 ± 16.6) were not significantly different, but scores decreased significantly in a sixteenth week (26.2 ± 12.5). Conclusion: In first eight weeks of treatment, ketamine was more successful than fluvoxamine at reducing anxiety disorder, considering the emergence of this disorder and the lack of major adverse effects of ketamine, it seems to be beneficial in early phases of treatment. Due to the quick onset of ketamine in future trials, their combination therapy is recommended during the initial weeks of treatment.

Analyser les enjeux cliniques et inconscients de l'uxoricide et proposer des pistes de réflexion pour les prises en charges thérapeutiques de ces patients, et pour le suivi des auteurs de violences conjugales, ce qui pourrait peut-être réduire le risque d'uxoricide. Revue de la littérature dans une perspective intégrative, s'appuyant sur des cadres de référence renvoyant respectivement à la psychiatrie, à la psychanalyse et aux théories de l'attachement et analyse de cas cliniques à partir d'entretiens cliniques avec des auteurs d'uxoricide. Les auteurs d'uxoricide (passage à l'acte survenant en dehors d'un contexte de décompensation psychotique, paranoïaque, ou toute autre décompensation rendant l'auteur irresponsable de ses actes) présentent une structure de personnalité limite, cherchant, après leur passage à l'acte, à se défendre d'une menace d'effondrement narcissique où leur amnésie ne vise qu'à les maintenir dans une sorte de déni protecteur, évitant de reconnaître à quel point leur partenaire est venue à leur insu, leur permettre de déployer toute leur dépendance dans un type de relation essentiellement anaclitique. L'uxoricide peut également être lié à une quête absolue de l'objet venant combler tout manque. L'ensemble des données recueillies suggère l'intérêt de prendre en considération les dimensions intrapsychiques dynamiques lors de la prise en charge et envisager, dans le cadre d'une recherche clinique plus quantitative, la comparaison d'un groupe d'auteurs d'uxoricide et d'un groupe de sujets auteurs de violences sans uxoricide. Les auteurs d'uxoricide ont pour caractéristiques communes, une angoisse de perte d'objet, un style d'attachement insécure, une fragilité des assises narcissiques et une objectivation de la partenaire. Comprendre davantage ces états narcissiques pathologiques semble important pour aider ces patients sur le plan thérapeutique à ne pas récidiver ou se suicider, victimes qu'ils sont de deuils impossibles à réaliser. To analyze the clinical and unconscious stakes of uxoricide and to suggest reflections for the therapy of these patients, and for the therapy of perpetrators of domestic violence, which could perhaps reduce the risk of uxoricide. A literature review from an integrative perspective, based on frames of reference referring respectively to psychiatry, psychoanalysis, and attachment theory; an analysis of case studies, based on clinical interviews with uxoricide perpetrators. The perpetrators of uxoricide (an acting out occurring outside of a context of psychotic, paranoid decompensation, or any other decompensation making the author irresponsible for his acts) present a borderline personality structure, seeking, after their action, to defend themselves against the threat of narcissistic collapse, while their amnesia only aims to maintain them in a kind of protective denial, preventing them from recognizing how much their partner has, unwittingly, allowed them to express their tendency to dependence in an essentially anaclitic type of relationship. The uxoricide can also be linked to an absolute quest for the object that could compensate for any lack. All the data collected suggest the value of taking into account the dynamic intrapsychic dimensions during treatment and, in the context of more quantitative clinical research, the comparison of a group of perpetrators of uxoricide and a group of subjects who perpetrate violence without uxoricide. The common characteristics of the perpetrators of uxoricide are a separation anxiety disorder, an insecure attachment style, a fragile narcissistic foundation, and an objectification of the partner. In a therapeutic context, understanding more of these pathological narcissistic states seems important to our efforts to help these patients avoid repeat offending or suicide. Perpetrators appear as victims of an impossible mourning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of multidimensional treatment of Lazarus on self-esteem and adjustment of children with separation anxiety disorder. The research method was quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest design with control group. The statistical population included all children with separation anxiety disorder who referred to Ibn Sina Hospital in Mashhad in 1397. 16 of them were selected by convenience sampling method and then based on random assignment of individuals to two experimental and control groups, each group (8 people) were appointed. Subjects answered the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire (1965), the Spence Anxiety Questionnaire (1997), and the Sinha and Singh Students' Adjustment Questionnaire (1993). While the control group did not receive any intervention during this period. Research data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance. The results of univariate analysis of covariance showed that multidimensional treatment of Lazarus increased self-esteem and adaptation of children with separation anxiety disorder in the experimental group compared to the control group. Based on this, it can be concluded that the multifaceted treatment of Lazarus by relying on 7 different dimensions and influencing it, can be an effective way to treat separation anxiety disorder and increase self-esteem and compromise in these children.

Multiple and diverse psychotherapeutic or psychopharmacologic treatments effectively reduce symptoms for many patients with anxiety disorders, but the trajectory and magnitude of response vary considerably. This heterogeneity of treatment response has invigorated the search for biomarkers of treatment response in anxiety disorders, across the lifespan. In this review, we summarize evidence for biomarkers of treatment response in children, adolescents and adults with generalized, separation and social anxiety disorders as well as panic disorder. We then discuss the relationship between these biomarkers of treatment response and the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. Finally, we provide context for treatment response biomarkers of the future, including neuronally-derived extracellular vesicles in anxiety disorders and discuss challenges that must be overcome prior to the debut of treatment response biomarkers in the clinic. A number of promising treatment response biomarkers have been identified, although there is an urgent need to replicate findings and to identify which biomarkers might guide clinicians in selecting from available treatments rather than just simply identifying patients who may be less likely to respond to a given intervention.

Background: Anxiety disorders first emerge during the critical developmental periods of childhood and adolescence. This review synthesizes recent findings on the prevalence, risk factors, and course of the anxiety disorders; and their neurobiology and treatment. Methods: For this review, searches were conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, and clinicaltrials.gov. Findings related to the epidemiology, neurobiology, risk factors, and treatment of pediatric anxiety disorders were then summarized. Findings: Anxiety disorders are high prevalence, and early‐onset conditions associated with multiple risk factors including early inhibited temperament, environment stress, and structural and functional abnormalities in the prefrontal‐amygdala circuitry as well as the default mode and salience networks. The anxiety disorders are effectively treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Conclusions: Anxiety disorders are high prevalence, early‐onset conditions associated with a distinct neurobiological fingerprint, and are consistently responsive to treatment. Questions remain regarding who is at risk of developing anxiety disorders as well as the way in which neurobiology predicts treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Separation Anxiety Disorder(SAD) is one of the earliest anxiety disorders. The effect of this disorder on the performance of children and adolescents reveals the need for awareness of the prevalence and comorbidity of this disorder in each region. This study is a cross-sectional analytical study implemented in all provinces of Iran. The instrument used in this study is the Persian version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version(K-SADA-PL) questionnaire. The total number of participants was 29,699. The overall prevalence of SAD was 5.3%. The comorbidity rate of 65.3% was found between SAD and other psychiatric disorders. Specific phobia and oppositional defiant disorder had the highest comorbidity with this disorder in the studied population. The more prevalence of separation anxiety disorder in the age range of 6–9 years old highlights the need for early detection of this disorder and targeting screening programs in childhood and adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundSeparation anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most common mental disorders among children and adolescents, and it may seriously affect their growth, daily life, and learning. Self-report scales have been used for diagnosis, which require lengthy testing and personnel.MethodsA total of 1,241 adolescents were recruited from 16 junior- and senior-high schools in China. The initial item bank was selected from classical SAD scales according to the DSM-5. First, the optimal model was selected using item response theory (IRT) according to data fit. Then, per the IRT analysis, items that did not meet the psychometric requirements were deleted (e.g., discriminating values < 0.2). Consequently, a computerized adaptive test (CAT) for SAD was formed (CAT-SAD).ResultsAn average of 17 items per participant was required to achieve and maintain a 0.3 standard error of measurement in the SAD severity estimate. The estimated correlation of the CAT-SAD with the total 68-item test score was 0.955. CAT-SAD scores were strongly related to the probability of a SAD diagnosis with the Separation Anxiety Assessment Scale—Child and Adolescent Version. Therefore, SAD could be accurately predicted by the CAT-SAD.ConclusionsExploratory factor analyses revealed that SAD was unidimensional. The CAT-SAD, which has good reliability and validity and high sensitivity and specificity, provides an efficient test for adolescents with SAD as compared to standard paper-and-pencil tests. It can be used to diagnose varying degrees of SAD quickly and reliably and ease the burden on adolescents. Potential applications for inexpensive, efficient, and accurate screening of SAD are discussed.

Background: Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most common mental disorders among children and adolescents, and it may seriously affect their growth, daily life, and learning. Self-report scales have been used for diagnosis, which require lengthy testing and personnel. Methods: A total of 1,241 adolescents were recruited from 16 junior- and senior-high schools in China. The initial item bank was selected from classical SAD scales according to the DSM-5. First, the optimal model was selected using item response theory (IRT) according to data fit. Then, per the IRT analysis, items that did not meet the psychometric requirements were deleted (e.g., discriminating values < 0.2). Consequently, a computerized adaptive test (CAT) for SAD was formed (CAT-SAD). Results: An average of 17 items per participant was required to achieve and maintain a 0.3 standard error of measurement in the SAD severity estimate. The estimated correlation of the CAT-SAD with the total 68-item test score was 0.955. CAT-SAD scores were strongly related to the probability of a SAD diagnosis with the Separation Anxiety Assessment Scale—Child and Adolescent Version. Therefore, SAD could be accurately predicted by the CAT-SAD. Conclusions: Exploratory factor analyses revealed that SAD was unidimensional. The CAT-SAD, which has good reliability and validity and high sensitivity and specificity, provides an efficient test for adolescents with SAD as compared to standard paper-and-pencil tests. It can be used to diagnose varying degrees of SAD quickly and reliably and ease the burden on adolescents. Potential applications for inexpensive, efficient, and accurate screening of SAD are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is mostly known as a psychiatric disorder of childhood. However SAD has been redefined in DSM-5 and thus, it has became possible to diagnose SAD in adulthood as well. The aim of our study is to determine the prevelance of SAD among adult patients with generalised anxiety disorder, also to investigate the symptoms of separation anxiety in childhood and to examine its reflections on the separation anxiety symptoms of adulthood. Method: 50 adult patients with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) who were admitted to the psychiatry outpatient clinic of Trakya University Hospital were included in this study. The presence of psychiatric disorders was determined according to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I). Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety Symptoms (SCISAS) and Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA) were applied to assess the symptoms of separation anxiety. Sociodemographic factors and reports of early separation anxiety (Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory, SASI) and a retrospective diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder among childhood were also measured. Results: According to our results the prevalance of SAD in patients with GAD was 45,2% and SAD was more common among females (p=0,02). Patients with SAD had elevated early separation anxiety scores. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between childhood SASI and ASA scores (r=0,71, p=0,00). Discussion: Our results show that separation anxiety is highly prevalant among GAD patients. Early separation anxiety scores are positively correlated with adult separation anxiety scores. However, in order to determine the effects of chilhood separation anxiety symptoms on adulthood, large sample sizes and prospective studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy and FRIENDS program training on behavioral disorders in children with separation anxiety disorder. Materials and Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental and pretest-posttest design with two experimental and one control group. The statistical population of this study consisted of all children referred to Behavioral Disorders Clinics in west of Tehran who were selected by convenience sampling method. The first and second experimental groups received 10 sessions of 30 to 45 minutes of cognitive-behavioral game therapy and the FRIENDS program. The research tools were Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist. Results: The results of the covariance analysis showed that the cognitive behavioral game therapy and the education program of FRIENDS was effective on behavioral disorders of children with separation anxiety disorder (P≤0.001). The results of comparing the effectiveness of the two approaches showed that play therapy had more effect on the improvement of behavioral disorders than the FRIENDS program (P≤0.001). Conclusion: Both Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy and FRIENDS Training can be used to improve behavioral disorders in children with separation anxiety disorder, but play therapy is more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]