Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is diagnosed when intense/prolonged symptoms of separation anxiety — which is a normal stage of development for infants and toddlers, with most children outgrowing it by age 3 — are excessive for the child’s developmental stage. As early as preschool age, separation causes significant distress, including panic attacks. It can also occur in teens and adults in anticipating leaving home or going to work. Recurrent or excessive distress can come from worrying about losing a parent or someone to illness or disaster, or be generally afraid about something unrealistic, like getting kidnapped. Symptoms can be physical, intense fear, anxiety. Genetics or tendency to anxiety may be a cause.