Separation Anxiety Disorder
Definition
Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is a psychological condition characterized by excessive fear or anxiety about separation from those to whom the individual is attached. The fear or anxiety is beyond what is appropriate for the individual's developmental level and lasts for at least four weeks in children and adolescents and typically six months or more in adults.
Symptoms
Symptoms of separation anxiety disorder can vary widely, but the most common ones include excessive distress when anticipating or experiencing separation from home or from major attachment figures, persistent and excessive worry about losing major attachment figures or about possible harm to them, such as illness, injury, disasters, or death, and persistent reluctance or refusal to go out, away from home, to school, to work, or elsewhere because of fear of separation.
Causes
The exact cause of separation anxiety disorder is unknown, but it's believed to be related to both genetic and environmental factors. It's more common in people who have a family history of anxiety disorders, suggesting a genetic link. Environmental factors may include adverse childhood experiences such as loss of a loved one, divorce of parents, or major illness in the family.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder is typically made by a mental health professional based on the individual's reported symptoms and observed behavior. The professional may use various assessment tools, such as interviews, questionnaires, and psychological testing, to determine the severity of the disorder and to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for separation anxiety disorder typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often the first line of treatment. This type of therapy helps individuals learn to manage their anxiety and to challenge and change negative patterns of thinking. Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may also be used to help manage symptoms.
Prognosis
With appropriate treatment, most people with separation anxiety disorder are able to manage their symptoms and lead normal, productive lives. However, without treatment, the disorder can become chronic and may lead to other mental health problems, such as depression and panic disorder.
Epidemiology
Separation anxiety disorder is one of the most common anxiety disorders in children, but it can also occur in adults. It's estimated that approximately 4% of children and adolescents and 1.2% of adults in the U.S. have the disorder.
See Also
References
1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. 2. Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (2018). Separation anxiety disorder. Retrieved from https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/separation-anxiety-disorder 3. National Institute of Mental Health. (2018). Separation anxiety disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/separation-anxiety-disorder/index.shtml