From the Guidelines
Separation anxiety syndrome is a psychological condition characterized by developmentally inappropriate, excessive worry or distress associated with separation from a primary caregiver or major attachment figure, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) 1.
Key Characteristics
- It commonly affects children who are separated from their parents or caregivers, but can also impact adults during relationship breakups, job losses, or relocations.
- Symptoms typically include anxiety, sadness, sleep disturbances, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches.
- For children, separation anxiety is a normal developmental phase between 8-14 months of age, but becomes problematic when it persists beyond appropriate developmental stages or significantly impairs functioning.
Treatment Options
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is recommended as a first-line treatment for separation anxiety syndrome in children and adolescents, as it has been shown to be effective in developing coping strategies and reducing symptoms 1.
- Gradual exposure to separation in controlled settings may also be beneficial in reducing separation anxiety symptoms.
- Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines, may be considered for severe cases, although it is more commonly used in adults than children 1.
Importance of Early Identification and Treatment
- Early identification and treatment of separation anxiety syndrome are crucial in preventing long-term consequences, such as impaired social and emotional development, and reducing the risk of comorbid mental health disorders 1.
- A comprehensive treatment plan, including CBT and medication if necessary, can help individuals with separation anxiety syndrome manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
From the Research
Definition and Prevalence of Separation Anxiety Syndrome
- Separation anxiety syndrome is a condition characterized by excessive worry, fear, or anxiety when an individual is separated from their attachment figures, such as parents or caregivers 2, 3.
- It is a common anxiety disorder in children and adolescents, and can also occur in adults 3, 4.
- The syndrome is often associated with other anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder 5.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
- The symptoms of separation anxiety syndrome include excessive worry or fear about separation from attachment figures, distress when separated, and fear of being alone 2, 6.
- The diagnosis of separation anxiety syndrome is based on the presence of these symptoms, as well as the severity and frequency of the anxiety 3, 6.
- The diagnostic utility of individual symptoms, such as distress related to separation and fear of being alone, has been studied using item response theory analysis 6.
Treatment and Management
- Treatment for separation anxiety syndrome may include psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic psychotherapy, as well as medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) 2, 5, 4.
- Attachment-based psychotherapy, such as Panic-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy-eXtended Range (PFPP-XR), has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of separation anxiety syndrome in adults 4.
- Early detection and treatment of separation anxiety syndrome is important to prevent long-term impairment and the development of other psychiatric disorders 5.