Separation Anxiety Disorder
Unlike the four conditions discussed above, separation anxiety disorder is primarily found in younger children. It involves excessive anxiety about being separated from the parent or home. The degree of anxiety is developmentally inappropriate, and it causes undue distress or interferes with everyday activities. It’s estimated that as many as 4% of children and young adolescents suffer from this disorder. However, the problem often fades away as the individuals get older.
Young people with separation anxiety disorder may worry incessantly about harm coming to a parent or about some unwanted event that would lead to separation, such as getting lost or being kidnapped. In addition, they may be fearful about sleeping away from home, and they may develop physical complaints, such as headaches or an upset stomach, in anticipation of spending time away. In some children, separation anxiety takes the form of extreme reluctance to go to school. This, in turn, can lead to academic and social problems. When teenagers refuse to go to school, their behavior may sometimes be due to separation anxiety as well. However, there are more likely explanations at this age, including social anxiety disorder.
Young people with separation anxiety disorder may worry incessantly about harm coming to a parent or about some unwanted event that would lead to separation, such as getting lost or being kidnapped. In addition, they may be fearful about sleeping away from home, and they may develop physical complaints, such as headaches or an upset stomach, in anticipation of spending time away. In some children, separation anxiety takes the form of extreme reluctance to go to school. This, in turn, can lead to academic and social problems. When teenagers refuse to go to school, their behavior may sometimes be due to separation anxiety as well. However, there are more likely explanations at this age, including social anxiety disorder.
