Separation anxiety disorder

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Separation anxiety disorder
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from home or attachment figures
Complications	N/A
Onset	Typically in childhood
Duration	At least 4 weeks in children and adolescents, 6 months or more in adults
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic, environmental factors, stressful life events
Risks	Family history of anxiety disorders, overprotective parenting, traumatic events
Diagnosis	Based on clinical assessment and criteria from the DSM-5
Differential diagnosis	Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Cognitive behavioral therapy, medication (such as SSRIs)
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies; can improve with treatment
Frequency	Common in children, less common in adults
Deaths	N/A

Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a psychological condition in which an individual experiences excessive anxiety regarding separation from home or from people to whom the individual has a strong emotional attachment (e.g., a parent, caregiver, significant other or siblings).

Symptoms

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder may include:

• Excessive distress when separated from home or attachment figures
• Persistent and excessive worry about losing major attachment figures or about possible harm to them
• Persistent reluctance or refusal to go to school or elsewhere because of fear of separation
• Persistent reluctance or refusal to go to sleep without being near a major attachment figure or to sleep away from home
• Repeated nightmares about separation
• Repeated complaints of physical symptoms (such as headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or vomiting) when separation from major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated

Baby Crying

Causes

The exact cause of Separation Anxiety Disorder is unknown, but it is believed to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. It may be triggered by a stressful event, such as a new school, a move, or a death in the family.

Treatment

Treatment for Separation Anxiety Disorder typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can help individuals learn to manage their fears and anxieties. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed.

See also

• Anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Social anxiety disorder