Separation anxiety disorder (or simply separation anxiety) is a psychological condition in which an individual has excessive anxiety regarding separation from home, or from those with whom the individual has a strong attachment.
Separation anxiety is often characterized by some of the following symptoms:
• Recurring distress when separation from home or subject of attachment occurs or is anticipated
• Persistent, excessive worry about losing subject of attachment
• Persistent, excessive worry that some event will lead to separation from a major attachment figure
• Continuing reluctance or refusal to go to school (known as school phobia) or elsewhere because of fear of separation
• Excessive fear about being alone without subject of attachment
• Persistent reluctance or refusal to go to sleep without being near a major attachment figure or to sleep away from home
• Recurrent nightmares about separation
• Repeated complaints of physical symptoms when separation is imminent.
Lisa Angelettie, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist, author, and an online advice expert. She has been helping people make smarter life choices since 1998. Visit her for Advice & Counseling, or take a free Depression Screening today.
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