WHAT WE TREAT
Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation Anxiety Disorder: Understanding Fear of Being Apart

Separation Anxiety Disorder is a condition mostly seen in children but can also affect adults. It involves an intense fear or worry about being away from someone important, like a parent or caregiver. This fear goes beyond normal worries and can make everyday life hard.

Common Signs of Separation Anxiety Disorder
People with this disorder may:

  • Feel very upset when separated from loved ones
  • Worry that something bad will happen to themselves or their loved ones
  • Refuse to go to school, work, or other places because of fear of separation
  • Have trouble sleeping alone
  • Experience physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or nausea when apart from loved ones
  • Constantly want reassurance that everything will be okay
  • Have nightmares about separation or losing someone

Who Can Develop Separation Anxiety Disorder?

  • Most often seen in children between ages 7 and 9, but it can also affect teens and adults
  • Can happen after a major life change like moving, a death, or family stress
  • Sometimes runs in families, showing a genetic link
  • May occur alongside other anxiety or mood disorders

How Is Separation Anxiety Disorder Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will assess symptoms by:

  • Talking with the child or adult about their fears and worries
  • Asking about how symptoms affect daily life, like school or work attendance
  • Using questionnaires or screening tools to understand severity

Treatment and Support Options
Separation Anxiety Disorder can be treated successfully with:

  • Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals learn to manage fears and gradually handle separation better
  • Family support: Parents and caregivers learn ways to support and encourage coping skills
  • Medication: Sometimes used if symptoms are severe or don’t improve with therapy alone
  • Building routines: Creating consistent goodbyes and reassuring routines can help ease anxiety

You’re Not Alone — Help Is Available
If you or your child struggles with separation anxiety, support is here. At Beacon of Hope, we provide caring and effective treatment to help you or your loved one feel safe and confident.