Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation Anxiety Disorder involves excessive fear or anxiety about being separated from attachment figures—typically parents, caregivers, or romantic partners. While separation anxiety is a normal part of early childhood development, Separation Anxiety Disorder persists beyond what’s expected for someone’s developmental stage or becomes severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. It can occur in both children and adults, though it’s more commonly diagnosed in childhood.

What is Separation Anxiety Disorder?

People with Separation Anxiety Disorder experience intense distress when separated from those they’re closest to, or when anticipating that separation. The anxiety often revolves around fears that something harmful will happen to the attachment figure or that the separation will become permanent. In children, this might look like refusal to go to school, difficulty sleeping alone, or physical complaints before separations. In adults, it can manifest as excessive checking-in, reluctance to travel or live independently, or preoccupation with the safety of loved ones.

Common Signs of Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety can affect different areas of functioning. Signs often include:

• Excessive distress when anticipating or experiencing separation
• Persistent worry that something bad will happen to attachment figures
• Reluctance or refusal to go to school, work, or other places due to fear of separation
• Fear of being alone or sleeping away from home
• Nightmares involving separation themes
• Physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches, nausea) when separation is imminent
• Need for constant contact or reassurance when apart
• Avoidance of situations that require separation

Treatment for Separation Anxiety Disorder

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for Separation Anxiety Disorder in both children and adults. Treatment focuses on gradually increasing tolerance for separation through exposure exercises, challenging catastrophic thinking about harm or abandonment, and building confidence in one’s ability to cope independently. For children, parent involvement is often a key part of treatment, helping caregivers respond to anxiety in ways that don’t reinforce avoidance. Adults may work on building independent functioning and addressing underlying attachment patterns. Medication is sometimes used in conjunction with therapy when symptoms are severe.

If separation anxiety is affecting your child’s development or your own independence, Miami Counseling & Resource Center offers specialized treatment for all ages. Contact us to schedule an evaluation.