Separation anxiety is common in many infants and young children.
Many small children go through a phase where they feel anxious or upset when separated from their parents or primary caregiver. However, when this anxiety is intense and persistent, it may be a sign of a more serious condition known as Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Though less common, this disorder can also develop in adolescents and adults, potentially interfering with daily functioning and becoming a continuous source of distress.

What Is Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Separation Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent, intense anxiety about being away from home or separated from significant attachment figures.
 

This anxiety can begin even before the separation occurs, and the child or adult may express fears of losing their loved one, resist being apart, feel overwhelming fear when alone, refuse to leave the house, have recurrent nightmares about separation, or experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, nausea, or vomiting before or during separation.

For diagnosis, at least three of these symptoms must be present for six months in adults and four weeks in children.
Of all anxiety disorders, Separation Anxiety Disorder most often appears earliest, typically in childhood, and may continue into adulthood.
Stressful life events or losses that involve separation often serve as triggers - for example, the illness or death of a loved one, the loss of a pet, parental divorce, moving to a new place, or starting school.

A genetic predisposition may also play a role. Having a family history of anxiety disorders increases the risk of developing separation anxiety. The condition may also occur alongside other mental health disorders, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or Agoraphobia.

 

Impact on Life

When you love someone, it's natural to worry about them or fear losing them - that's just part of life. But in Separation Anxiety Disorder, this worry becomes disproportionate and pervasive.
It may interfere with school, social interactions, work, or even the relationship with the loved one.
People with this condition are not always aware that their anxiety is out of proportion to the situation.

Children may have trouble focusing on schoolwork, interacting with peers, or engaging in different activities, missing out on opportunities to learn, build social skills, and grow more independent.

Adults, likewise, may face difficulties at work due to poor concentration, or experience conflict in relationships, especially with the person they are attached to. They may struggle with traveling, career growth, and more.

Separation Anxiety Disorder is a serious reason to seek professional help.
In addition to the daily suffering it causes in children, adults, or their loved ones, it can also increase the risk of developing other anxiety disorders in the future, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks, Phobias, Social Anxiety, or Agoraphobia.

 

Treatment

The first-line treatment for Separation Anxiety Disorder is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
This therapy helps identify the thoughts and behaviors that trigger separation anxiety and, by changing them, can lead to significant relief or even full recovery.
Parents can also learn additional parenting strategies to reduce separation-related anxiety in their children.

In children, treatment typically involves behavioral interventions. Parents and educators can be taught various techniques to help minimize the child’s distress in different settings. Family therapy can also be helpful.

In cases of severe anxiety, medication may be prescribed, such as anxiolytics or antidepressants.

Although Separation Anxiety Disorder persists into adulthood in about one-third of children and adolescents diagnosed with it, the overall prognosis is positive for improvement or recovery.