DSM 5 Separation Anxiety Disorder Carmassi, Gesi, Massimetti, Shear, and Dell’Osso (2015) note, “Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is an inappropriate and excessive anxiety concerning separation, actual or imagined, from home or major attachment figures, causing clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning.” Further, Carmassi et al. (2015) highlight the manifestation of the disorder as a continuous and recurrent stress in anticipation of or during a separation from the symbols of attachment and a sustained worry about the loss of or harm to the attachment figure(s). Furthermore, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM – 5) enumerates the symptoms …show more content…
First, the mother is not able to handle her life’s transition thus leads to personal withdrawal symptoms. As a consequence, she suffers two miscarriages. Second, Winnie is the only child with very limited playmates. This is enhanced by the fact that Winnie’s only playmate (Becky) moved from the neighborhood due to the parents’ job commitments. Third, her mother was generally a loner. Besides the risks facing Winnie, her history from pre-school to the doctor’s examination room present clear disorders. Firstly, in the pre-school program, Winnie’s exhibited abnormal tempers, she preferred playing alone, had nightmares, and sat at the window waiting for her mom to be back. Secondly, Winnie complained of illness when Becky invited her to a sleepover. Thirdly, at the Kindergarten, Winnie never played with anyone and only talked to Becky. Finally, at the assessment room, Winnie was reserved and could not answer any questions directly. Furthermore, she required her mother’s company to the assessment …show more content…
Her mother’s name is Isabel. Indoors, Winnie is more talkative. However, she is shy in a group setting, more so, a group she is unfamiliar with. As a newborn, Winnie developed breathing complications, and consequently, admitted for three weeks. Before the introduction of solid foods, Winnie often had stomach complications, and as a result, became a choosy eater. Thereafter, Winnie had above normal muscle development and use, better than her language development.
Parental background: Isabel (Winnie’s mother) was continually depressed as she could not handle the transitions and challenges of motherhood. Further, she did not manage to have an additional sibling for Winnie. Since birth, Isabel was concerned about her child’s health. However, there were enough assurances from the pediatrician. However, Winnie’s dislike of the school environment was Isabel’s last straw. At the time, the pediatrician referred her for psychosocial support. In school, the teachers were understanding, and thus, Winnie had enough time to