Conditions & Diseases: Psychological & Mental Health

Seperation Anxiety Disorder

See Also:
Seperation Anxiety Disorder: Introduction
Seperation Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms
Seperation Anxiety Disorder: Causes & Risk Factors
Seperation Anxiety Disorder: Treatment Options

Separation Anxiety Disorder Signs and Symptoms

Separation anxiety disorder is a psychological condition diagnosed mostly in children and rarely in adolescents. It can be recognized when the following symptoms are present:

1. Psychological symptoms, include:

• Recurrent anxiety and severe distress when separated from attachment figures or safe environments (such as home) or when anticipating the separation.
• Persistent and excessive worry of losing their parents or caregivers, or that something bad could happen to them.
• Fears of getting lost or being kidnapped.
• Excessive worry concern their own safety.
• Fear and reluctance to be alone.
• Low self esteem in social and academic settings.
• Depression.

2. Behavioral symptoms, include:

• Crying or whining when they have to be separated from parents or caregivers.
• Clinging behaviors when separated from their parents.
• Refusal to sleep alone and requesting to sleep in the parent's bed.
• Refusal to go to school or be involved in age-related activities away from home.
• Repeated nightmares involving the separation theme.
• Panic or temper tantrum when separated from the parents.
• The need to constantly stay in touch with loved ones.
• Requesting reassurance that the loved ones are safe.
• Difficulties concentrating.

3. Physiological symptoms are displayed when the separation occurs or is anticipated. They include:

• Headaches
• Stomach aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle ache or tension

See Also:
Seperation Anxiety Disorder: Introduction
Seperation Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms
Seperation Anxiety Disorder: Causes & Risk Factors
Seperation Anxiety Disorder: Treatment Options

Article by Alina Morrow
MS Psychology
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com