SEPARATION ANXIETY DISORDER

'Separation anxiety disorder' (or simply 'separation anxiety') is a psychological condition in which an individual has excessive anxiety regarding separation from home or from people to whom the individual has a strong emotional attachment (like a mother). Present in all age groups, adult separation anxiety is now believed to be even more common than childhood separation anxiety[1][2]. Separation anxiety is often characterized by some of the following symptoms:

★ Recurring distress when separated from the subject of attachment (such as the mother or home)

★ Persistent, excessive worrying about losing the subject of attachment

★ Persistent, excessive worrying 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 mother

★ Recurrent nightmares about separation
Often, separation anxiety is a symptom of a co-morbid condition. Studies show that children suffering from separation anxiety are much more likely to have ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and others later in life. [3]