Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that affects children and adults. It causes a person to feel excessive fear or anxiety when separated from a close attachment figure or anticipating separation. The fear and anxiety are out of proportion to the situation and not developmentally appropriate. A child’s attachment figure is usually a parent but can be anyone they’ve bonded with, including a grandparent or other caregiver. In adults, the anxiety usually centers on their child or romantic partner.

You might be familiar with the term “separation anxiety” as something babies experience when a primary caregiver leaves their side. That’s because separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage babies go through as they learn more about the world around them. They typically grow out of this stage by age 3.

But some older kids experience separation anxiety beyond the point where it’s developmentally expected. That’s when healthcare providers consider a diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder. Symptoms can also appear in adults with or without a history of childhood separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety disorder can get in the way of daily life. Children with this condition may refuse to go to school. Adults may miss work or have trouble focusing.

But take heart in knowing it doesn’t always have to be this way. If you think you or a loved one might have separation anxiety disorder, contact a healthcare provider. They’ll talk to you about what’s happening and, if necessary, recommend treatment like therapy or medications.