Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is an anxiety disorder marked by intense fear or distress over separation from home or loved ones. Although this condition is typically linked to children, it can also affect adults. This fear exceeds typical developmental levels and greatly disrupts daily functioning.
Types of SAD
- Childhood-onset SAD: Frequently observed in young children, typically associated with reluctance to attend school or anxiety about separation from caregivers.
- Adolescent-onset SAD: Arises during the teenage years, often connected to issues regarding peers or family separations.
- Adult-onset SAD: Appears later in life, usually centered on spouses, children, or partners, and is often provoked by significant life events (e.g., relocating or losing a loved one).
Key Features of SAD
- Intense and ongoing anxiety that is inappropriate for the individual’s developmental stage
- Continuous fear that something “bad” will occur to a loved one (e.g., illness or accident) or that they may not return.
- Concern that something “bad” could happen to oneself (such as getting lost or abducted), leading to separation from a loved one.
- Physical manifestations like stomachaches, headaches, and nausea are common. Adolescents and adults may also experience dizziness and heart palpitations.
- People show extreme emotional distress (e.g., crying or tantrums) either during or in anticipation of separation.
- They may refuse to attend school, work, or events to escape separation.
- They tend to avoid sleepovers, travel, or even staying in different rooms from their loved ones.
- Nighttime issues include difficulty sleeping alone or having nightmares related to separation or harm to loved ones.
- Symptoms last at least 4 weeks in children and 6 months in adults
- These symptoms significantly impact daily life.
Risk Factors for SAD
- Loss or illness of a loved one
- Stressful childhood events like parental divorce, switching schools, or moving
- Significant adult life changes include moving, starting a romantic relationship, or becoming a parent.
- Family history of anxiety disorders.
If these features or risk factors resonate, consider seeking support from one of our specialists.
Treatment Options for Separation Anxiety
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
When to Seek Help:
- If symptoms interfere with daily life
- If fear of separation prevents attendance at school, work, or social events
- If intense physical or emotional distress such as headaches, stomachaches, or panic attacks occur frequently during or before separation
- If the condition creates strain or tension in relationships due to dependency or avoidance behaviors
- If symptoms persist beyond the typical developmental period for a child or last for over 4 weeks without improvement in children and youth
- If symptoms are present for six months or more in adults
Seeking help can improve overall well-being. One of our mental health professionals can provide tailored strategies and support.
If you need specialized support, contact one of our skilled therapists who has experience treating SAD.