What is Separation Anxiety Disorder?
Separation Anxiety Disorder is a mental health condition that can impact both children and adults. It’s marked by an intense and often irrational fear or anxiety when you’re separated from someone you deeply care about—or when you even think separation might happen soon. This anxiety can go way beyond what’s normal for your stage of life and can turn into a serious obstacle in daily routines. For kids, the big attachment figure is usually a parent or caregiver. For adults, it could focus on a partner, a child, or anyone they have a strong emotional bond with.
You might have heard the term “separation anxiety” to describe how infants become upset when their main caregiver steps away. Babies typically outgrow that stage by around age three. But older kids can experience persistent separation anxiety that lingers beyond the usual age range. That’s typically when professionals suspect Separation Anxiety Disorder. What might surprise you is that plenty of adults also struggle with it—even if they never had issues as children.
If these anxious feelings go untreated, they can disrupt school, work, or personal life. Kids dealing with this disorder might dread attending school, while adults might skip work or find it hard to concentrate. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed if you or a loved one is in this situation, but rest assured, help exists. If you think you might have Separation Anxiety Disorder, or if you see worrisome signs in someone close to you, it’s a good idea to reach out to a healthcare provider. With a proper evaluation, they can suggest therapy, medication, or a blend of both.
3 Signs of Separation Anxiety Disorder in Adults
Separation anxiety often appears in babies and toddlers, usually between six months and three years old. That phase usually fades as the child grows more independent. But in some people, anxiety related to separation doesn’t ease. It can continue into adolescence and adulthood, sometimes becoming more severe over time. Separation Anxiety Disorder in adults can show up as intense fear or even panic attacks whenever loved ones aren’t nearby—or if you merely imagine being away from them.
You might be wondering if you’re dealing with adult Separation Anxiety Disorder. If so, consider the following three signs:
- Physical issues when loved ones aren’t around.
You may find it hard to sleep, eat, or even focus on tasks. It’s also common to experience headaches, upset stomach, or general aches. These symptoms often happen or worsen when your partner, child, or close family member is absent. - Excessive fear about your loved one’s safety.
You could be consumed by worries that something terrible might happen—like a natural disaster, a car wreck, or any unpredictable threat. This fear can feel relentless, even in situations where real danger is unlikely. - Little to no independent social life.
You might avoid going places on your own or socializing outside the presence of your significant other, child, or whomever you’re attached to. You might want (or feel you need) to accompany them everywhere, which can limit your personal growth and social connections.
Adults showing these traits might also display blurry boundaries in relationships. Others might label them as clingy or overbearing. They could become very strict with children, not wanting to let them out of sight, or overly reliant on their partner in day-to-day life. If anxiety about being away from loved ones disrupts your job performance or your ability to do regular chores, it might be time to get professional help for an anxiety disorder.
Separation Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Separation Anxiety Disorder is diagnosed when signs go beyond what’s expected for someone’s developmental level and cause major distress that interferes with daily functioning. These symptoms can manifest in a range of ways, depending on age, emotional resilience, and other factors.
Key symptoms of separation anxiety disorder may include:
- Repeated and intense distress at the thought of separation or while actually separated from home or loved ones. This can involve clinginess, full-blown tantrums, or anxiety that doesn’t fade once others normally adjust.
- Ongoing worry about losing a loved one to illness, death, or a disaster. This can show up as persistent questions or fears about something bad happening to that person.
- Persistent worry about scenarios like getting lost or kidnapped, which would cause unwanted separation from loved ones.
- Avoidance of normal activities such as school or social events because of anxiety related to leaving home or a loved one’s side.
- Discomfort being alone or doing tasks solo that are normal for someone of that age—like a child who’s old enough to be without supervision but won’t stay home alone, or an adult who refuses to run errands alone.
- Resisting or refusing sleepovers or going to bed without a loved one in proximity, especially once you’re at an age where sleeping independently is the norm.
- Nightmares about separation.
- Physical complaints like headaches, stomachaches, or other pains around times of anticipated or actual separation.
This disorder can include panic attacks, which are abrupt surges of overwhelming anxiety that reach a peak in minutes. People experience intense fear, a pounding heart, shortness of breath, or even a sense of doom.
Signs in Loved Ones with Separation Anxiety
Recognizing Separation Anxiety Disorder isn’t always straightforward—especially if you’re on the outside looking in. Someone who is experiencing it might not realize how intense their behaviors or worries appear.
You could see some of these indicators in a family member or friend:
- They avoid being away from their key attachment figure for long periods.
- They express constant worries about the safety of that person, even if there’s no actual threat.
- They struggle to handle everyday routines when their attachment figure isn’t around, like skipping errands or missing social engagements.
- They need frequent reassurance from their attachment figure, calling or texting more than what might be typical for a similar relationship.
When discussing these observations, it’s essential to keep empathy at the forefront. People might get defensive or frustrated if they feel you’re belittling their concerns. It’s more productive to encourage them to reach out for professional guidance, letting them know there are proven ways to manage and overcome Separation Anxiety Disorder.
What Causes Separation Anxiety Disorder in Adults?
Separation Anxiety Disorder sometimes appears without a clear reason, but often certain life events or mental health patterns make someone more prone to it. One major factor is insecure attachment, which might happen if you had inconsistent care or unstable relationships in childhood.
Here are some common causes and triggers:
- Family history of anxiety — If relatives struggle with anxiety disorders, you might be predisposed to similar issues.
- Abandonment or forced separation — Past experiences of losing a close connection can deepen fear of future separation.
- Developmental delays — Some people need extra support in certain phases of growing up, making them more vulnerable to anxious attachments.
- Traumatic brain injury — Neurological issues can affect emotional regulation and may lead to fears of being alone or losing someone important.
- History of trauma — Physical, emotional, or mental trauma (like a difficult childhood or abuse) can linger, heightening concerns about safety.
- Sudden death of a loved one — Unexpected losses often spark an ongoing anxiety about separation and mortality.
- Significant life changes — Moving away from family, ending a relationship, or relocating for work or school can trigger an onset or relapse of Separation Anxiety Disorder.
If you already battled separation anxiety as a child, you’re at a higher risk for adult symptoms, though that’s not always the case. Other mental health conditions, from depression to PTSD, can also factor into the development of Separation Anxiety Disorder. Big life transitions, like leaving a family support system, may further raise the likelihood of experiencing separation-related anxiety.
Separation Anxiety Disorder Risk Factors
While Separation Anxiety Disorder commonly starts in childhood, it can linger or even start fresh during the teen years and beyond.
Certain situations raise the chances of developing it, such as:
- Major life stresses or loss. Experiencing a loved one’s serious illness, the death of someone close, or a parental divorce can be a catalyst. The emotional strain from these events can spark fears of losing more people.
- Family history of anxiety. Genetics can play a role—if anxiety disorders run in your family, you might be more at risk.
- Traumatic events. Living through a natural disaster, severe accident, or any harrowing situation can magnify worries about separation or being alone.
Everyone’s journey is unique, and some people develop the disorder without these triggers. Still, if you notice these elements in your life or someone else’s, watch for signs of escalating anxiety around separation. Early awareness might be key in preventing more severe problems.
Separation Anxiety Disorder Complications
When separation anxiety is too intense, it can interfere with everyday life at home, school, or work.
This disorder doesn’t always exist on its own—it can show up alongside other mental health challenges such as:
- Other anxiety disorders: These include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety, or agoraphobia.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): People may develop rituals or repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety around separation.
- Depression: Chronic worries and fears about losing someone can erode mood and hope, sometimes leading to depression.
Without professional intervention, the stress caused by Separation Anxiety Disorder can create big obstacles. Children might struggle academically because they refuse to attend school, while adults can have trouble keeping up with job tasks, social relationships, or self-care.
How is Separation Anxiety Disorder Diagnosed?
Diagnosing this disorder in adults involves talking directly with a healthcare provider about your symptoms, your emotional well-being, and any life events that might contribute to ongoing fear or anxiety. You might fill out questionnaires designed to identify key patterns, including any history of mood swings or panic attacks.
For children, the process typically includes parents or guardians. The child’s pediatrician might ask parents to observe and record the child’s behavior over a few days or weeks. They might also ask older children about their thoughts, fears, or nightmares relating to separation. Sometimes, a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist happens if more specialized help or testing is needed.
Early assessment can make a big difference. If a provider rules out other health conditions and confirms the diagnosis, the next step is typically planning an effective course of treatment. That may focus on therapy, medication, or a mix of both.
How to Treat Separation Anxiety Disorder?
The main approach to addressing Separation Anxiety Disorder is talk therapy. Specifically, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-known method that empowers people to see how their thoughts shape their behavior. By pinpointing and reframing negative thought patterns, individuals can develop healthier ways to cope with anxiety.
Other useful therapy formats include:
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT helps people balance acceptance with the willingness to grow and transform. Those with strong emotional reactions to separation often find DBT techniques like mindfulness and emotional regulation helpful.
- Family therapy: Family therapy can be especially useful if a child’s anxious behaviors are affecting household dynamics. It helps parents, siblings, and other relatives learn about the disorder, build better communication skills, and offer consistent support.
Medications
Sometimes therapy alone doesn’t address every aspect of Separation Anxiety Disorder. In such cases, a healthcare provider might suggest medication. Different types of medication can lessen the intensity of anxiety or panic attacks, making therapy and day-to-day coping a bit easier.
Discover Separation Anxiety Disorder Treatment in Atlanta at Hooked on Hope Mental Health
Though there’s no foolproof way to prevent anxiety disorders entirely, the good news is that they’re highly treatable with the right tools and resources. At Hooked on Hope Mental Health in Atlanta, GA, we focus on comprehensive, holistic approaches to anxiety and dual diagnosis treatment. Our center is a supportive environment where you or a loved one can receive individualized treatment for Separation Anxiety Disorder. We explore the root causes of your anxieties, teach coping techniques, and encourage family involvement so everyone understands the condition.
If you feel that fear of separation has taken over, making it tough to function at work, school, or in your relationships, you don’t need to endure it alone. Contact our team at 470-287-1927 or fill out our online contact form to learn about options for managing your anxiety. Our goal is to help you move toward a life where separation is not so overwhelming, and where you can handle daily challenges without constant worry.
Taking that initial step to ask for help can be intimidating, but it’s a powerful move toward reclaiming your life. We believe in combining expert clinical methods, empathy, and individualized care to make meaningful progress. Change is possible, and every step you take today can lead to a brighter tomorrow.