Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a psychological condition characterized by excessive fear or anxiety about being separated from people to whom an individual is emotionally attached. It is more commonly diagnosed in children, but it can also affect adults. This disorder can cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning for the affected individual.
Key features of Separation Anxiety Disorder include:
Excessive Distress: When separated or anticipating separation from loved ones, individuals with SAD experience intense fear or worry. This fear goes beyond what is developmentally appropriate for their age.
Fear of Harm: The individual may worry excessively about harm befalling themselves or their loved ones when they are apart. They may fear that something terrible will happen, such as an accident or an illness.
Reluctance to Be Alone: People with SAD often avoid being alone or refuse to go to school, work, or social activities because they want to stay close to their attachment figures.
Physical Symptoms: Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, nausea, and dizziness may accompany the emotional distress related to separation.
Sleep Problems: Separation anxiety may also lead to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, and individuals may have nightmares related to separation themes.
Duration and Age Inappropriateness: The symptoms must persist for at least four weeks in children and adolescents, and six months or more in adults. The distress experienced by the individual must be beyond what is considered developmentally appropriate for their age.
Interference with Daily Life: The fear and anxiety associated with separation can interfere significantly with the person's ability to function in various settings, such as school, work, or social situations.
It's important to note that experiencing some degree of separation anxiety is a normal part of human development, especially in young children. However, in Separation Anxiety Disorder, the symptoms are severe, persistent, and beyond what is considered typical for the person's developmental stage.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder that significantly impair daily functioning or well-being, it is essential to seek help from a mental health professional. Effective treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and, in some cases, medication, can help manage and alleviate the symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder.