Separation Anxiety Disorder
Whole-Person Education for Healthier Minds & Healthier Bodies
Understanding Separation Anxiety Disorder
What Is Separation Anxiety Disorder?
Separation Anxiety Disorder is more than the normal worry that children or adults may feel when away from loved ones. It is an anxiety disorder that causes excessive fear or distress about being separated from people to whom a person is strongly attached. Although it often begins in childhood, it can also affect teenagers and adults. The fear can interfere with school, work, relationships, travel, and daily activities.
DSM-5 Criteria
Healthcare providers diagnose Separation Anxiety Disorder when excessive fear or anxiety about separation lasts at least four weeks in children and adolescents or six months or longer in adults. Symptoms cause significant distress or interfere with daily functioning and are not better explained by another condition.
· Excessive worry about losing or being separated from loved ones
· Persistent fear that harm will come to a parent, caregiver, spouse, or child
· Reluctance to leave home, school, work, or loved ones
· Difficulty sleeping away from home
· Nightmares about separation
· Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or nausea when separation occurs or is expected
Common Signs & Symptoms
· Clinginess or needing constant reassurance
· Crying or panic when separation is anticipated
· School or work avoidance
· Refusing sleepovers, travel, or overnight trips
· Frequent phone calls or texts to loved ones
· Difficulty concentrating because of worry
· Upset stomach, headaches, or muscle tension
How Separation Anxiety Disorder May Present Differently
Children & Teens
· Refusing school or daycare
· Following parents from room to room
· Tantrums or distress when separated
· Fear of sleeping alone
Adults
· Excessive worry about a partner, child, or family member
· Avoiding travel or work obligations
· Difficulty being alone
· Frequent checking or reassurance-seeking
Common Medication Classifications
Medication may be considered when symptoms are moderate to severe or when therapy alone is not enough.
· Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
· Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
· Short-term anti-anxiety medications in select situations
· Other medications when clinically appropriate
Common Therapies & Why They Help
· Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify anxious thoughts and develop healthier coping skills.
· Exposure Therapy: Gradually increases comfort with safe separation experiences.
· Family Therapy: Improves communication, supports healthy independence, and reduces accommodating behaviors.
· Parent Training: Helps caregivers respond consistently and encourage confidence in children.
· Supportive Therapy: Provides education, encouragement, and problem-solving skills.
Most people experience the greatest improvement when therapy is combined with healthy routines, supportive relationships, and medication when appropriate.
Healthy Coping Tips
· Practice brief separations and gradually increase time apart.
· Create predictable routines.
· Encourage independence through small daily successes.
· Practice relaxation or breathing exercises.
· Avoid excessive reassurance when possible.
· Celebrate progress instead of perfection.
When Should You Seek Help?
If fear of separation is interfering with school, work, relationships, or daily life, professional treatment can help. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
If anxiety is accompanied by thoughts of self-harm or you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911 or 988 immediately.
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This handout is for educational general awareness purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
