Separation Anxiety Disorder

What is Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Separation anxiety disorder involves an individual having excessive fear or worry about separating from their home or a loved one.

How does it develop and what are the typical outcomes?

Typically, most kids develop some level of separation anxiety from their parents early in development. This type of anxiety may represent the child having a secure attachment to their parent. Separation anxiety disorder can develop as early as preschool and can be seen at any point through adolescence. In older individuals, the usual age seen is late adolescents or young adulthood.

Can it be seen in adults?

Yes. In adulthood, this can manifest as the individual worry about leaving home in the context of graduating from high school or going away to college. However, the vast majority of individuals with separation anxiety disorder as children are not impacted by it in adulthood.

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