Separation Anxiety Disorder

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Separation Anxiety Disorder

Medically reviewed · Ratel Health editorial team · Sunday, 16 August 2026

An anxiety disorder involving developmentally inappropriate and excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from attachment figures.

Overview

Separation anxiety disorder involves developmentally inappropriate and excessive fear or anxiety about separation from home or attachment figures, persisting for at least four weeks in children or six months in adults.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include excessive distress when separation is anticipated, persistent worry about losing attachment figures, and reluctance to be alone or away from them. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause is not fully understood. Temperament, attachment experiences, and family or genetic factors are each associated with risk.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy has strong evidence supporting its use for separation anxiety disorder.

Living With Separation Anxiety Disorder

Gradual, supported practice with brief separations can help build tolerance over time.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.

Emergency Situations

If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.

Outlook

Many individuals, particularly children, respond well to cognitive behavioral treatment.

Related Conditions

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A persistent pattern of excessive, difficult-to-control worry about everyday events and activities.

Selective Mutism

A childhood anxiety condition involving consistent failure to speak in specific social situations despite speaking normally in others.

Social Anxiety Disorder

A condition involving marked fear or anxiety about social situations in which a person may be scrutinized or judged by others.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
  • National Institute of Mental Health.
  • World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.