Separation anxiety disorder involves excessive worry about being apart from someone close, such as a parent or caregiver. While it’s normal for young children to experience some separation anxiety, most outgrow it by age 3. If a child continues to struggle beyond this age, and their fears disrupt daily activities, it may indicate separation anxiety disorder. Though it primarily affects children, teenagers and adults can also be impacted.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The key characteristic of separation anxiety disorder is an overwhelming fear of being separated from a loved one. Those affected may:
- Constantly worry about getting lost, being kidnapped, or something happening to their loved one.
- Have frequent nightmares about separation.
- Refuse to be apart from their loved one, even avoiding sleeping alone.
- Experience physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches before separation.
Seeking Help for Separation Anxiety
If you’re worried that you or your child might have separation anxiety disorder, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our specialized treatment options for anxiety and take the first step toward managing your symptoms.
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