Separation Anxiety Disorder - Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by some of the following symptoms:

• Recurring distress when separated from the subject of attachment (such as significant other, the father or the mother, or home)
• Persistent, excessive worrying about losing the subject of attachment, or that some event will lead to separation from a major attachment
• Excessive fear about being alone without subject of attachment
• Persistent reluctance or refusal to go to sleep without being near a major attachment figure, like a significant other or mother
• Recurrent nightmares about separation
• Crying
• Repeated complaints of physical ailments (stomach aches, headaches)
• Avoidance (refusing to sleep alone, attend school, go outside to play, and/or going to a friends house)

There are numerous causes of SAD in children . These include:

• Environmental change
• Genetic influence
• Parent/child attachement
• Developmental considerations
• Cognitive factors
• Behavioral factors
• Stress factors and influence

The main concern for children with separation anxiety disorder is that something terrible will happen to their parents or primary caregiver, or that they will become permanently separated from their parents or primary caregiver and this fear is what creates the disorder. Separation anxiety disorder may be a symptom of a co-morbid condition. Children with separation anxiety disorder are much more likely to have ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and other disorders later in life.

Separation anxiety usually occurs between 12 and 18 months. Separation anxiety disorder is usually first reported during the preschool years. The condition can begin at any age up to 18, but onset during late adolescence is not common. Children with SAD become very anxious when separated from figures of attachment (e.g. parents, siblings, or other caregivers) and upon leaving their homes. In anticipation of the separation, they may have somatic complaints and symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches. While separated from a loved one, children with SAD often fear that something catastrophic may happen to the attachment figure, and they may desire to keep in contact with this person by phone or other means of communication. When these children are away from their homes, they can become extremely homesick and distraught.

Individuals with SAD may worry about losing their parents or getting lost or kidnapped. They often refuse to go to certain places (e.g., school) because of fears of separation, or become extremely fearful when they are left alone without their parents. SAD may appear after a major stress in your child's life. This may come from the loss of a loved one or pet, or from an illness. Moving to a new neighborhood or school may also cause stress to your child. These children and adolescents may also refuse to sleep alone, experience nightmares about separation, or experience various physical complaints (e.g., body-aches, nausea) when separated from their parents.